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B&GCs announce Youth of the Year Candidates

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley recently announced the candidates for the 2011 Youth of the Year program, an initiative designed to promote and recognize teens who have developed sound character, leadership abilities and the willingness to give back to their community.  We join more than 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country in acknowledging their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens, and we’d like you to learn more about these outstanding youth.

Ely (Elizabeth) Hernandez started at the Boys & Girls Club as a volunteer, helping fourth- and fifth-graders with homework and activities. She quickly became involved in teen activities too, volunteering with middle school, joining College Bound and participating in classes and workshops to help her prepare for college. Ely now volunteers four days a week. She has truly discovered her love of helping others and hopes to build a career in social services one day.

Gene Truong has transitioned from someone who occasionally dropped into the Boys & Girls Club to regularly volunteering there. Gene has involved himself in all things Boys & Girls Club, he is active in College Bound and makes regular meetings to discuss a plan for the future. In the spring, Gene will be running a basketball clinic out of the club for his senior project. Gene cares about supporting his community and helping kids.

Gemma  Bolaños has been an active volunteer for several years, both with the Girl Scouts and the Boys & Girls Club. Gemma quickly joined many of the programs the club offers, she enrolled in College Bound and encouraged several of her friends to join. She become a member of Keystone Club, and enlisted more of her peers to do the same. Gemma served as Keystone Club president last term, her dedication to which earned her a spot on the National Keystone Conference steering committee. Gemma is always coming up with ideas to support Keystone; all while continuing to connect new people to the club.

Anelyn Burquez is one of our busiest club members. She first joined the Boys & Girls Club to participate in volleyball, but started coming regularly for College Bound, Tuesday Sports Night and Keystone Club. Alongside impressive grades and playing soccer, Anelyn serves as an officer for Keystone Club. She has plans to continue her service in the community by pursuing a career in the medical field.

The four candidates will be honored at the Youth of the Year celebration at the Maxwell Clubhouse on Dec. 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m., where the winner will be announced and will go on to compete at the regional level.  A member of the year from each Boys & Girls Club site will also be recognized at the celebration, including Maxwell Clubhouse/El Verano Elementary School,  Sassarini Elementary School, Flowery Elementary School,  Dunbar Elementary School and Altimira Middle School.

Boys & Girls Club supporters and Sonoma residents Rick Cavalli, Lora Eichner, Lorna Sheridan and Andrew McDermott will act as Youth of the Year judges. Each application is screened and judged on leadership qualities and service, exhibited through home and family, moral character, community, school, service to club, life goals, obstacles overcome, essays, poise and public speaking.

Special thanks go to the August Sebastiani Foundation for sponsoring the Youth of the Year event.