Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys &
Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding
contributions to a member’s family, school, community and
Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles
overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the
generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
DAVID ROJAS 2009 Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Youth of the Year
David told the audience that his Club encouraged him “to be myself.” He also credited the Club with helping him to get out of the gang life, being supportive, providing him with many experiences, and teaching him to “respect myself.”
David has been member of the Little Village Boys & Girls Club for 11 years, is President of the Keystone Club and, “plays a huge role as a mentor and role model” at the Club. He is currently a Junior at Little Village Lawndale Social Justice High School and has a 3.8 GPA. His teachers wrote on his competition recommendation forms that David “has earned their respect,” and according to one of his teachers, “In all the years I have served as an educator, I have never encountered a student with more focus and determination.” David’s aspirations for the future include earning a college diploma, giving back to his community and, to become an FBI agent. David will compete for the statewide Youth of the Year honor in Springfield, IL on April 1, 2009.
ABC 7 Chicago Weekend News Co-Anchor, Karen Jordan, was the Mistress of Ceremony at the 2009 Youth of the Year Competition. Seven Club members participated (from left to right): Vicente Martinez, Little Village Club; Teresa Contreras, Valentine Club; Aundriana Burtley, Jordan Club; Chauntenee Cox, Dr. King Club; Karen Jordan, ABC 7 Chicago News; Emily Agyeman, McCormick Club; David Rojas, Little Village Club; Jose Santiago, Cotter Club.
Each participant receives $250, a $25 gift card and a laptop. The winner receives an additional $500. BGCC wishes to thank our competition judges; Tracey Patterson, Brandon Straub, and, Lyndon Taylor for their time and energy in making what must have been a very tough choice.
