Melissa Garcia to Now Vie for State Title and Scholarship
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County (BGCSC) announces Melissa Garcia as Jeff Mattingly Foundation Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Melissa will go on to vie for the Arkansas Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
If Melissa wins at the state competition in April, she will compete for the title of Southwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
Melissa became a BGCSC member when she was in the fourth grade, and programs were still held at the previous Cox St. location. She remembers being overwhelmed at first with her new surroundings, but quickly found that the Club would be a wonderful part of her life for many years to come. She most loved listening to Mr. Heath’s stories during the summer program, and playing softball in the gym. She has fond memories of showcasing mini-choreographed performances taught in the Dance Program, and will always appreciate the lessons learned playing soccer in our Sports Program.
“Moments like these made me feel safe and I hope to have a place at the Club forever,” Melissa said. Melissa now works as an After-School and Summer Staff for the Club and is an important part of the team.
“Plenty of times while growing up, my parents reminded me that I was created for a purpose to fulfill in this world. The color of my skin, the way I talked, or even my appearance could not change my purpose in this world. My time at the Club is something I will never forget, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am surrounded by other members who also want to do good in this world by being the light and difference in kids’ lives, and that is inspiring. As Youth of the Year, I will illuminate my purpose. I will be a voice for our Club members especially, the Hispanic youth.” Melissa’s favorite verse that helps illuminate her purpose is Matthew 5:14, “You are the light that shines for the world to see.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported the youth advocacy organization for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated to inspiring the next generations of engineers, thinkers and leaders who will help drive the American economy. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix, a committed partner who has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on many Academic Success initiatives, and the Taco Bell Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier partner for teen empowerment.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
The Boys and Girls Club of Saline County’s mission is to transform Saline County and North Garland County one child at a time. By enhancing and developing the outlook, character, and life-prospects of every child who walks through our doors, we transform the outlook, character, and prospects of the communities we serve. Learn more at http://www.scbgclub.com.
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.