When Rio walked through the doors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s Main Branch Club for the first time last year, he didn’t know a single person. He was new to school, new to the neighborhood, and not quite sure where he fit. What happened next surprised him.
“The moment I walked in, the Club was welcoming, and I instantly felt like I had found a family,” Rio recalls.
That sense of belonging was the beginning of something bigger. Rio—an 8th grader at Lincoln Middle School—is Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s 2026 Junior Youth of the Year, a young leader who has transformed his Club experience into a platform for growth, creativity, and service.
Junior Youth of the Year
For Rio, the Jr. Youth of the Year program arrived at exactly the right moment. “As I spent more time at the Club, I learned about the Junior Youth of the Year program, and I realized that maybe I could become someone who represents the Club and everything it has done for me,” he reflects.
His leadership journey culminated in his selection as our 2026 Junior Youth of the Year. This program is made possible with the generous support of the Red String Foundation in memory of Margaret “Dodie” Bushee, a beloved local educator whose forty-year career was defined by her commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering curiosity in every student she encountered. Through workshops and coaching, Jr. YOY gives middle school members a head start on the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
“The Club truly made me a leader,” Rio says. “It gave me a place to belong, a place to learn, and a place to grow. It helped me become a leader, a friend, and a better version of myself.”
Finding His Place
“One of the things I love most about the Club is how it connects to the things I enjoy,” said Rio.
Rio’s creativity has space to shine through the National Fine Arts competition. He submitted a pair of intricate paper katanas for judging and was chosen to advance to the next round to compete for national recognition.
“I enjoy creating different anime drawings and characters, as well as making origami and sculptures,” he says. “This experience helped me gain confidence in my creativity and believe in my artistic abilities.”
The Club’s music programs gave him yet another outlet. Rio’s love of drums and bass found a home in our state-of-the-art music studio.
Growing as a Leader
As Rio settled into the Club community, he began taking on more responsibility. He joined Torch Club and quickly took on a leadership position, ensuring the club ran smoothly.
“Torch Club taught me to be a leader and to take control of the life I live,” Rio says. “I learned how to step up, how to speak up, and how to work with others.”
He also learned to give back, logging 33 hours (twice the required amount) of community service.
In addition to leadership and service, the Club taught Rio about resilience.
“The Club also taught me an important lesson: even if you get in trouble or feel down, you can always climb back up. Everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is learning from them and becoming stronger.”
This is only the beginning of Rio’s leadership journey. No matter where he goes he’s ready to learn, grow, and lead.
“These lessons didn’t just stay at the Club; they became part of my every day life,” he said.
Your support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica helps young leaders like Rio discover their potential.
