Congratulations, Paulina!
On Thursday, February 17th, our 2022 Citywide Youth of the Year, Paulina, was named the 2019-20 National Youth of the Year. All of us at BGCSF are proud of Sabrina's accomplishments, and wish her luck as she serves as an ambassador for the 4.7 million Boys & Girls Clubs members across the country. For a recap on how Sabrina became BGCSF's Citywide Youth of the Year, read our coverage of the 11th Annual Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon.
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Congratulations Paulina!
On Thursday, February 17th, Tenderloin Clubhouse member, Paulina C. was named Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco’s 2022 Citywide Youth of the Year. As the Citywide Youth of the Year, Paulina will receive a college scholarship worth $10,000 and will advance to compete in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
Paulina is a 11-year member of BGCSF who credits supportive and caring staff, and their involvement with teen leadership programs, the visual arts, and Camp Mendocino as key aspects of their fulfilling Club experience. An outstanding academic student, Paulina intends to graduate from high school this spring and will attend Colgate College on a four year scholarship in the fall.
Each year, we are inspired by the resilience, courage, hope, and talent of our Youth of the Year. We are tremendously thankful for such strong support! Our 2022 Youth of the Year finalists have shown an incredible drive to succeed, dedication to their community, and passion for their Clubhouse or Camp. We are proud to see the perseverance, strength, determination, and confidence that each finalist has displayed during their four-month journey.
In case you missed the event, or if you want to watch it again, you can access the event recording.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Paulina is a 11-year member of BGCSF who credits supportive and caring staff, and their involvement with teen leadership programs, the visual arts, and Camp Mendocino as key aspects of their fulfilling Club experience. An outstanding academic student, Paulina intends to graduate from high school this spring and will attend Colgate College on a four year scholarship in the fall.
Each year, we are inspired by the resilience, courage, hope, and talent of our Youth of the Year. We are tremendously thankful for such strong support! Our 2022 Youth of the Year finalists have shown an incredible drive to succeed, dedication to their community, and passion for their Clubhouse or Camp. We are proud to see the perseverance, strength, determination, and confidence that each finalist has displayed during their four-month journey.
In case you missed the event, or if you want to watch it again, you can access the event recording.
Youth of the Year
February 6, 2025
11:30AM - 1:30PM
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Embarcadero Center
JOIN US11:30AM - 1:30PM
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Embarcadero Center
Meet the 2020 Youth of the Year
Kionna
Sunnydale CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Kionna! I’m a senior at Leadership High School. I’ve been a Club member at the Sunnydale Clubhouse for eleven years. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Club LIT, and Camp Mendocino. BGCSF opened doors for me to take part in the My Brother and Sister’s Keeper Youth Council, Mercy Housing Youth Leadership Initiative, and DCYF University. My future goal is to be an advocate and give back to my community.
Adriano
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Adriano! I’m a senior at Galileo High School and have been a member at Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for two years. In my time at Vis Valley, I’ve participated in the Teen Staff program as well as BGCSF’s Career Exposure events. After graduation, I plan to attend UC Berkeley and work towards a degree in Engineering/Computer Science. Membership at BGCSF gave me opportunities like Tinkering with Exploratorium, which helped me explore my love of science, and Homework Club, which helped keep my grades up. My future goal is to continue my education and drive my methods of teaching.
David
EXCELSIOR CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m David! I'm a proud first generation Latino American, and a senior at Leadership High School. I've been a member at Excelsior Clubhouse for four years. In that time, I’ve participated in Keystone Club, Money Matters, President’s Advisory Council, and Citywide Planning Committee. After graduation, I want to attend Columbia University to study Political Science or Criminal Justice so I can become an Immigration Lawyer. The most impactful programs I’ve participated in at BGCSF are Keystone Club and the Citywide Planning Committee for the National Keystone Project: Bridging the Divide Between Youth and Law Enforcement.
Erica
Willie Mays CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Erica! I am a senior at Leadership High School and have been a member of the Willie Mays Clubhouse for 12 years. BGCSF’s College Prep program was really helpful for me, and Career Exposure events gave me an idea of what I want to do in life. After high school, I want to attend a historically black college and become a counselor. I look forward to discovering who I am and eventually helping others do the same.
Kenny
Tenderloin Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Kenny! I’m a senior at George Washington High School and have been a member at Tenderloin Clubhouse for nine years. In that time I’ve participated in Torch Club, Keystone Club, Money Matters, and Club LIT. I’ve really enjoyed being a Club LIT. Through that program, I’ve developed some great leadership skills. After graduation, I plan to attend University of Oregon and become a Sport Agent.
Masiyah
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Masiyah! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member at the Columbia Park and Willie Mays Clubhouses for ten years. In my time at Columbia Park, I’ve participated in Teen Staff and the Mayor’s Youth Education Employment Program. Through BGCSF’s School-Based Club at Gateway High, I was connected to opportunities at my school like the Gateway Internship Program and Business Pathways. After graduation, I want to attend Howard University and become a Web Developer.
Poppy
CAMP MENDOCINO
Hi, I’m Poppy! I am a senior at Academy of Arts and Science High School, serving on the student council as student body vice president. I’ve been a member at Camp Mendocino for 12 years. I have participated in Torch Club, Keystone Club, Money Matters, Club LIT at the Don Fisher Clubhouse, and Camp LIT at Camp Mendocino. After graduation, I plan to attend UC Santa Cruz to study Political Science and become a Congresswoman.
Terrell
Don fisher Clubhouse
Hi, I’m Terrell! I’m a senior at City Arts and Tech High School, serving as president of the Queer & Straight Alliance Club at my school. I’ve been a BGCSF member for nine years at the Ernest Ingold and Don Fisher Clubhouses. In that time, I’ve participated in Torch Club, Club LIT, Basketball League, and Camp Mendocino. After graduation, I want to attend Academy of the Arts and become a Sport Photographer and Wrestling Commentator.
Meet the 2025 Youth of the Year
Jacino
Camp Mendocino
Hey everyone, my name is Jacino and I am a senior at George Washington High School. I have been attending Camp Mendocino for six years, where I have participated in the Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program and the Gold C program. At school, I am interested in studying science fiction literature, and I participate in the Black Student Union. One day, I would like to study film, cinematography, and fashion design. A fun fact about me is that I am a very talented whistler, and only 13% of the population would consider themselves excellent whistlers.
Katherine
Columbia Park Clubhouse
Hello, my name is Katherine, and I am a junior at Archbishop Riordan High School. I have been going to the Columbia Park Clubhouse since I was seven years old. I have participated in the Club’s art program and creative engineering. At school, I am part of the Art Club and Latinos Unidos. My future plans are to attend a four-year university. A fun fact about me is that I like to play numerous instruments.
Imogen
Don Fisher CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I'm Imogen (she/her)! I’m a senior at Gateway High School and have been a member of the Don Fisher Clubhouse for eight incredible years. I’ve participated in various programs across the aquatics department, from Learn-to-Swim, progressing through four swim team levels to becoming a swim instructor and lifeguard. I cherish the community within the Club and genuinely can't imagine my life without it! Outside the Club, I love spending time with friends and family (especially my dog), volunteering at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, and serving as President of my school’s Marine Biology Club. My future goal is to attend a four-year university and pursue veterinary sciences! And one day, I’m hoping to make it to Greece!
Leslie
Excelsior CLUBHOUSE
Hi, I’m Leslie (she/her). I am a senior at KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory and have been a member of Excelsior Clubhouse for nine years. I have participated in programs like Keystone, Career Exposure, College Prep, Cooking, College and Career Readiness (CCR) internships through SFUSD, and other leadership opportunities. After high school, I would like to go to a four-year university to pursue a career in either the criminal justice field or as a mental health clinician. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy stress baking and cooking.
Lisette
MISSION Clubhouse
Hello, I’m Lisette (she/her). I am a senior at Mission High School. I have been attending the Mission Clubhouse for 12 years. I’ve participated in the Club Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program, Notes for Notes, Keystone, College Prep, College Tours, photography, and Girls on the Mic. I plan to attend a four-year college and go into the music industry. I am passionate about history.
Majestic
The springer clubhouse in sunnydale
My name is Majestic (she/her), and I am a senior at Balboa High School. I’ve been a Sunnydale Clubhouse member for over ten years. I have participated in a variety of programs, including Keystone, Teen Advocacy Group, Torch Club, Mayor's Youth Employment Education Program (MYEEP), and Girls' Group. In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends, play basketball, and listen to music. In the future, I want to study psychology to better understand the human mind and why people do the things they do. A fun fact about me is I played basketball with Klay Thompson.
Yazaira
Tenderloin CLUBHOUSE
Hello, my name is Yazaira, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a senior at The Academy - San Francisco at McAteer. I’ve been a member of the Tenderloin Clubhouse for nine years. I was involved in programs such as Torch Club, Keystone, and Spotlight on the Arts. A goal I have for the future is to attend a four-year college and major in biology. In my free time, I like to spend time with my cat and experiment with making different types of coffee!
Janelle
Visitacion Valley CLUBHOUSE
Hello, I am Janelle (she/her)! I am a junior at Balboa High School and have been a member of the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse for ten years. During my time at the Club, I have participated in Torch Club, Keystone, Teen Advocacy Group(TAG), Leaders in Training (LIT), Opportunities for All, and the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program. In school, I’m taking AP classes, specifically AP Art/Drawing and AP Calculus. I also participate in my school’s Girls' Tennis Team. I am hoping to attend a four-year university. A fun fact about me is that I was my middle school’s valedictorian.
Elda
The willie mays CLUBHOUSE at hunter's point
My name is Elda (she/her), and I’m a senior at Lowell High School. I’ve been a member of the Willie Mays Clubhouse at Hunters Point for three years. I have participated in Leaders-in-Training (LIT), College Prep, Girls' Group, and led a Financial Literacy Program. Outside of the Clubhouse, I’m Co-President of the Black Student Union (BSU) and participate in a program called Alive and Free that is geared towards keeping Black youth educated and out of the penal system. My plan in the future is to go to a four-year university and major in neurobiology. One fact about myself is that I am a sneakerhead; I love to collect and sell shoes.
About the Youth of the Year Program
Youth of the Year is a five-month long leadership development program that celebrates the remarkable lives of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco members who have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances.
Finalists are chosen from their Clubhouse, School-Based Club, and Camp Mendocino based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, and perseverance. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college.
The Citywide Youth of the Year is chosen by the Selection Committee on Selection Night. This process includes evaluating the nominees’ academic performance, personal statements, two references, assessing public speaking skills, and one-on-one interviews with candidates. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year and receives a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to Boys & Girls Clubs’ Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
Finalists are chosen from their Clubhouse, School-Based Club, and Camp Mendocino based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, and perseverance. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college.
The Citywide Youth of the Year is chosen by the Selection Committee on Selection Night. This process includes evaluating the nominees’ academic performance, personal statements, two references, assessing public speaking skills, and one-on-one interviews with candidates. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college. The winner is named the Charles Schwab Citywide Youth of the Year and receives a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to Boys & Girls Clubs’ Northern California Youth of the Year competition.
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Heather Childs, Julian Eison, and Eli Weiss
EVENT HOST COMMITTEE
Will Bartlett, Maria Bolin, Derick Brown, Nate Chang, Peter Crawford, Orpheus Crutchfield, Melissa Kremers, Chris Roeder, Greg Suhr, and Sheila Williams
become a sponsor!
For more sponsorship information contact Jennifer Snyder, Director of Development at jsnyder@kidsclub.org
History of the Program
The Timeline
The Youth of the Year take part in a five-month long intense leadership development program that involves public speaking, one-on-one mentorship, essay writing, and team building. With the help of our caring staff and volunteers, these youth grow and flourish into confident leaders with inspirational visions and goals for their futures.
At the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration in February 2025, each youth will tell their story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters during our celebration.
The Citywide Youth of the Year moves on to represent BGCSF in the Northern California Regional competition against other well-accomplished youth in the region. The judging criteria for the event consists of public speaking, performance in a one on one interview, service to the Club, and community and academic achievement.
The Youth of the Year take part in a five-month long intense leadership development program that involves public speaking, one-on-one mentorship, essay writing, and team building. With the help of our caring staff and volunteers, these youth grow and flourish into confident leaders with inspirational visions and goals for their futures.
At the Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Celebration in February 2025, each youth will tell their story to more than 800 BGCSF friends and supporters during our celebration.
The Citywide Youth of the Year moves on to represent BGCSF in the Northern California Regional competition against other well-accomplished youth in the region. The judging criteria for the event consists of public speaking, performance in a one on one interview, service to the Club, and community and academic achievement.
The History & Prestige
For nearly 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports. For more information on the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
For nearly 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports. For more information on the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
Support San Francisco's Youth
Tickets for the 2019 Charles Schwab Youth of the Year Luncheon are now sold out. Those interested in supporting BGCSF may do so by clicking the donate button below.
