Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is excited to announce our 10-13 year old Youth of the Year. Congratulations to 13-year-old Angelina from the Jefferson County Boys & Girls Club!
For Angelina, applying to be Youth of the Year was an opportunity to reflect on her life at the Club and show her appreciation for the programs that have improved her life.
“I’d be lost without the Club,” Angelina said. “I love the way the Boys & Girls Club has affected my life. It has made me a better person and helped shape who I am today.”
When Angelina joined her Club more than four years ago, she was excited because she knew it was a place to spend time with her friends and get help with homework. The programs helped her succeed in school and provided a stable routine for her working parents. The Club soon became an invaluable part of her life.
“My Club life is amazing,” she said. “The staff are nice to everyone. They don’t push anyone away. They are here for me when I need a shoulder to cry on. They’re here for me on good days too.”
But for Angelina, the Club isn’t just a place to receive support, it’s also a place to give it. Angelina is involved in Torch Club and Keystone Club, both are leadership programs that focus on academic success, career preparation, and community service. Angelina works to have a positive impact on both her fellow Club members and the community at large.
She helps organize field trips and plan “Fun Fridays” – weekly events where members play games and participate in fun activities. Last fall, she helped her Club make plans for Scream Scram, Boys & Girls Clubs’ Halloween-themed 5K. Angelina and several of her fellow members participated.
“I have a lot of fun helping other people,” she said.
Angelina regularly helps other Club members with their homework. Her strong math skills have made her a valuable asset when other members need guidance.
Going forward, Angelina plans to keep helping others.
“I want to be a pediatrician when I grow up,” she said. “I feel like it will let me help children in a different way.” Until then, she plans to stay involved with her Club and keep making a difference every day.