2022 Youth of the Year
This year our 2022 Youth of the Year event was celebrated drive in style. We are so proud of our Club Members and everything they have accomplished this last year. Their ability to adapt and roll with whatever this world throws their way is inspiring. We also had an all Club Member celebration where our Youth of the Year winners were recognized in front of their peers.
Learn more about all of our winners and take a look at the fantastic photos from our event below. Thank you so much to our Sponsor US Bank and our donors Raising Canes, Moonlight Foundation, and Peppertree Frosty.
Grace Taylor, 11th Grade at Mission Vista Highschool
Grace was selected over other high school age candidates because of her regular commitment to the Boys & Girls Club of Vista. As a high school student, she leads the Club’s music program, the Music Maniacs. She is a dazzling singer/song writer and impressive guitarist. She has performed multiple times for the community representing the Club to rave reviews. She assists Club staff wherever needed and helps Club members with tutoring, music and games. Since March 2020, there have been a lot of changes at the Club, school, family and our community. Grace handles all of those challenges with poise and is destined for a great future.
What two words would you use to describe Grace- Amazing and Genuine.
How does it feel to be recognized? It feels very awesome. It’s very cool to be recognized as YOY because I’ve been here for a long time.
What does BGCV mean to you? BGCV means a lot to me because it helps my family be able to do more. We found a place where there is so much to do and it helped provide resources for my family.
Uleena Torres, BGCV Member for 1 year and 5 months, 7th Grade at Vista Magnet Middle School
I nominated Uleena Torres for Scholar of the year because of her dedication to her education. Uleena takes pride in her performance, as well as the results of her hard work. Uleena, having a busy family schedule, understands the importance of maintaining her grades and prioritizing her time. You will always see Uleena, hard at work, or starting an assignment ahead of time so she can enjoy her family time on the weekends and go to her soccer practice after school. If I had two words to describe Uleena Torres it will be, intelligent and kind!
How does it feel to be recognized as youth of year? It feels exciting because my brother has gotten on and now I can tell him. And I am happy because I do my homework and do my best but I never knew I was being recognized for that.
What does BGCV mean to you? It means a lot because in 6th grade when my math grade was really low and I was struggling in math Boys & Girls Clubs staff went out of their way to help me and I understood my math better.
Russell Richardson, Club Member for 6 months, 6th Grader at Vista Magnet
I nominated Russell Richardson for Youth of the Year because he embodies qualities of a leader. Russell always models respectful behavior toward everyone. He's friendly with everyone and is willing to take the high road to avoid conflict while exhibiting morals. Russell is a role model for his peers and will continue to influence his peers around him. If I had two words to describe Russell, it will be, mature and reliable.
When asked how does it feel to be recognized as youth of year? It is honoring to be chose as youth of the year out of a bunch of kids, I got picked and I am very happy.
What does Club mean to you? It means being allowed to have fun while our parents work, and interacting with people, and staff members.
David McCarthy, BGCV Club Member 2 years, 8th Grade at Madison Middle School
I am proud to nominate David McCarthy (fourteen years old in February!) for Madison Middle School’s Youth of the Year award. He has been an active member of our afterschool club at Madison, he’s currently in eighth grade but has been attending since sixth grade. He has been a role model for the other members, they look up to him, always want to show him things, and kind of seek his approval. It’s been a pleasure having him around, he’s constantly cracking jokes, doing impressions of characters, or practicing his different accents. David is wise for his age, knowledgeable about more pop culture than his staff (constantly teaching us something new), and dependable; if there’s anything that needs to be done or staff need a little extra help you can count on David.
When asked what the Boys & Girls Club means to him, he stated that it’s the place he gets to go to in the afternoons and he’s glad he came here in sixth grade because it gave him a chance to make friends. Many of which he is still friends with today.
David feels appreciative and good about being recognized as the Youth of the Year for Madison Middle School.
Issaiah Rivas, 3rd Grade at Breeze Hill Elementary
I nominated Issaiah “The Dinosaur” Rivas as our Social recreation Youth of the Year. From last year to this year he has made a huge jump, from being reserved and withdrawn, to being a very active participant in all areas of activity at our Boys and Girls Club of Vista, enjoying his time and playing out of the spirit of fun. And being actively engaged has been his most awe-inspiring attribute. He also works towards being thorough in any activity he undertakes, with a smile in the end, especially when he participates in physical activities (ex. Football), or in the games room (ex. Bumper Pool Champion), and even in the Art Room with Ms. True, and is always enjoyed by the company of his peers. He is in 3rd Grade, is 8 years old, and attends Breeze Hill Elementary. Two words that describe Issaiah: Energetic and Likable!
How does it feel to be recognized as? I feel happy – sometimes I get shy when everyone recognizes me as the winner.
What does Club mean to you? Boys & Girls Club of Vista means a place to have fun and learning to get along with other people.
Sophia Reyes, Club member for 6 years, 5th grade at Breeze Hill Elementary
Sophia was selected as the Character Leader of the Year because she leads our K-Kids youth service group. She has been involved with K-Kids for 3 years and now is our President. Though naturally soft-spoken, she is a driven leader. She has helped motivate Club members to support fundraising projects that have helped benefit UNICEF, Operation Hope, SPOT (Saving Pets One at a Time)and the SPCA. Sophia always cares for all Club members and does her very best to make sure every Club member has a voice at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista. She was instrumental in starting the Club’s first Safety Patrol and a reading program to help our K-1 Club members. She also helps keep the Club fun and safe through her family connection with Dr. Bronner’s.
What two words would you use to describe Sophia- Determined and Empathetic
How does it feel to be recognized? It feels great. I’ve been in K-Kids for a while and I wanted to be president for awhile and now that I am I hope to make Club better while I’m here.
What does BGCV mean to you? BGCV means a lot to me – I’ve been here since kinder – there have been lots of changes- I like some of the changes. BGC is like my second home.
Jayla Crenshaw, 5th grade at VAVPA
Jayla is in the fifth grade at Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. She is 10 years old. As a new staff member, I noticed whenever we are in the gym or out in the field Jayla is always eager to jump into sports games. I see her working together with her peers and helping them if they are struggling with activities. She always has a positive attitude that spreads to others including staff. Jayla is a natural leader when it comes to athletics and participating in group work.
Two words that describe Jayla: Enthusiastic and Determined
How does it feel to be recognized? It feels good.
What does BGCV mean to you? BGCV means a lot to me because of the sports program. The people here are really nice.
Mary Taylor, BGCV Club Member 4 years, 6th grade at Seton Home School.
I nominated Mary for Musician of the Year because she shows genuine passion and drive to grow as a percussionist and overall musician. Since we have started lessons in March 2021, she has accomplished many of her goals and overcome several obstacles with ease. She is always working hard to reach the next level and hopes to one day become a professional drummer. The words that best describe Mary are determined and creative.
How does it feel to be recognized? I feel good; I’m happy
What does BGCV mean to you? BGCV means a lot to me. I can get free music lessons and play sports.
David Kramer, BGCV Club Member 2 years, 4th grade at Grapevine
David is an amazing artist because of his persistence and creativity. He's a trendsetter when it comes to art projects at the club and never lets lack of supplies or rigid instructions get in the way of his artistic vision. He's always asking for a box but always thinking outside the box. When he makes something new and the other members want to make one too, he shows them how to do it or even makes one for him. He takes pride in his work regardless of others' opinions.
How does it feel to be recognized? It feels good. I’m happy I’m good at doing art.
What does BGCV mean to you? BGCV means happiness – feels good to be here.
Paul Duggan, Club Member 4 years , 8th grade at VIDA
I nominate Paul Duggan for VIDA Youth of the Year. Paul is a 13 year old 8th grader at Vista Innovation and Design Academy, has gone to the Boys and Girls Club for 4 years. Paul is a compassionate, considerate, and creative member at the Boys and Girls Club who enjoys playing with others and cooperates with everyone. Members from all ages know who he is and enjoy their time with Paul. He is a natural leader of the group and knows when to listen to his peers. Paul is Vice President of Career Launch and in the future he strives to become an architect or an interior designer. I believe he will fulfill his dreams, no matter they may be, and become the best person he can be in his lifetime.
How does it feel to be recognized? It’s fantastic. I feel so special.
What does BGCV mean to you? It means extra time for things that I need to do. I enjoy the music room. Glad they support us with a great music program.
Reynaldo, 5th grade at Vista Magnet, BGCV Club Member 5 years
We have nominated Reynaldo Juarez Valentin as Raintree youth of the year because he is an exemplary member. He has attended BGCV since he was 5 years old.
He always wants to improve and always seeks guidance in his educational journey or just in general. He is a leader and is a great role model to other club members. I've gotten to know Rey these last couple of years and he is a well-grounded young boy who dreams of the future and who is working hard in order to attain his goals. He is always motivated and always has a positive attitude and outlook in life.
We nominated you because you are well-rounded in everything that you do and you are resilient. You already know that the support is here. Always remember who you are and never doubt yourself. You are doing Great Rey!
How does it feel to be recognized? It's common, because I have always been picked for other awards.
What does BGCV mean to you? It means... to me that I can go there for homework and whatever I need help for. As well as it is exciting and fun. It is like a playground to me.