Selected for Youth of the Year 2024
WHAT IT IS: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico (BGCPR) Youth of the Year program aims to recognize outstanding youth for their leadership skills and contributions to their family, school, community, and the Club, as well as the personal challenges they have faced and overcome.
HOW IT WORKS: The program is open to participants aged between 16 and 18 years old who have received the Youth of the Month recognition, that go on the Youth of the Year selection of their Club and then participate in the Island-level competition. Throughout the year, the program promotes good character, personal development, and leadership skills. In the local competition, a jury, made up of professional leaders and public figures chooses the BGCPR Youth of the Year. The winner receives scholarships for university studies and becomes the official spokesperson for Puerto Rican youth.
The winner also participate in the northeast regional competition at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America level. Five regional winners are then selected, receive an additional scholarship, and compete in July in Washington, D.C. for the title of Youth of the Year of the United States.
Since the program began in 1947, the five regional winners are recognized during a breakfast at the United States Congress. The National Youth of the Year winner receives an additional $15,000 scholarship.
The RESULT: For one year, the BGCPR Youth of the Year has been the representative and spokesperson for more than 12,000 boys, girls, and youth served by BGCPR. During that year, the winner participates in groups and forums on issues that concern youth and represents the role of BGCPR in transforming the lives of children and youth. As a spokesperson, the Youth of the Year participates in various activities with important government, business, civic, and community leaders.
Jabnia Mojica
Boys & Girls Club of Aguas Buenas
Jabnia Mojica, 16, is in the eleventh grade. Her short-term goals include finishing high school and completing a barbering course. She also wants to complete a doctorate in Medicine and envisions herself working at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico. For Jabnia, emotional health is very important and she wants to be emotionally stable and happy.
Respect, collaboration and leadership are qualities that undoubtedly represent this young woman who has been part of the Aguas Buenas Club since she was 7 years old. Jabnia has participated in all closed groups, thus causing a leadership impact on her Club colleagues.
Jafet Reyes Rodríguez
Boys & Girls Club of Arecibo
Jafet Reyes is a 17-year-old boy who is in twelfth grade. He excels in the sport of volleyball, he likes art and dancing.
His future aspirations or goals are to study law and become a criminal lawyer.
Reyes is a genuine, influential, charismatic, loving and committed young man. He is actively involved in Keystone in his role as president. He defends community rights and the well-being of participants. He collaborates with security and conflict resolution at the Arecibo Club, where he has developed his ability to channel his emotions and achieve self-control. He has created a bond of safe place within the Club and identifies with the leaders who have contributed to his growth as a leader.
Jexyeth Fraguada Nieves
Boys & Girls Club of Bayamón
When talking about Jexyeth Fraguada it is necessary to highlight her charisma, talent for the arts and vibrant personality. After his career at the Bayamón Club, today Jexyeth is a focused, dedicated young man with clear goals for his future. With that passion that characterizes him, he has been part of several Club programs, from the educational program to help him with his schoolwork, leadership and volunteer groups, to being the leader organizer of theatrical experiences at the Club.
Currently, he began his university studies at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, studying Theater Education.
Shailyn López García
Boys & Girls Club of Las Margaritas
Shailyn is a charismatic and outgoing young woman with initiatives to spread a message of improvement and leadership among her peers. She has a passion for dancing and volleyball, being part of the Las Margaritas Club team. Her friendliness and simplicity are a great example of her personality, character and gift of service to others. She has the ability to contribute ideas to the programs in which she participates. In the future, Shailyn wants to become a surgeon to serve her community and her country.
The Club was not only the space for fun, but also her safe place to demonstrate her intellectual ability, dance, and develop her leadership. “Thanks to the Club I was able to grow as a person and become what I am today, a young leader.”
Natalia Carrión Rodríguez
Boys & Girls Club of San Lorenzo
Natalia is an optimistic, responsible and humble young woman. She is in twelfth grade at the San Lorenzo Vocational School in the Culinary Arts workshop. For her future, she aspires to study Nutrition and continue developing in the area of Culinary Arts.
She began her adventure at the San Lorenzo Club when she was 6 years old, integrating into tutoring, summer camps and other programs. Participating in the Club’s programs has helped her develop skills and abilities that facilitate her social and personal life. “The club has been like my second home; “It has given me the opportunity to meet many exemplary colleagues and leaders who have inspired me every day.”
Jessyre Cruz López
Boys & Girls Club of Mayagüez
Jessyre has attended the Mayagüez Club since she was little and has participated in all areas, standing out in dance and basketball, although she later discovered her passion for art. In her Club, her interest in her health was born, awakening the flame that led her to choose Nursing as her university career. She always looks for ways to merge her love of nursing with art, giving way to express her imagination in unique ways. As a leader, Jessyre wants to be a role model, providing confidence and support to every child in the Club so they feel valued.
“The Club not only gave me artistic skills, but also taught me important values such as respect, honesty, helping and empathy.”
Dariel A. Roldán Yulfo
Boys & Girls Club of Isabela
Dariel is a responsible young man, with good behavior and unique values that make him a positive model for his peers. He has a commitment to his studies as well as various enriching experiences for his future. Dariel has participated in various programs at the Club, including: the Career Launch group, Health and Wellness Program, and the Educational Program under the Post-Secondary area. This young volleyball player stands out on the Gallitos de Isabela team. He also belongs to the honor roll of the Francisco Mendoza School.
Kendrick Casanova
Boys & Girls Club of Loíza
Kendrick began his adventure at the Loíza Club 12 years ago. He is an active participant in the different programs that helped shape his leadership, such as Keystone Club, Juntos Sanamos, Positive Action, Healthy Habits and the Educational program such as Diplomas to Degrees and Plan de Futuro. This young man understands that, through dedication, commitment and solidarity, other young people can contribute to social justice. He affirms that the Loíza Club contributes and provides him with the tools to be able to succeed in university, society and to continue supporting the people of Loíza. He longs to combine his passion for sports with Psychology, “to provide tools to face difficult situations, support decision making and instill teamwork, respect and discipline.” He is recognized by his teammates and Club leaders as a respectful, honest, committed young man, a good role model and as a good leader.
Ruth Despiau Cáceres
Boys & Girls Club of Carolina
Ruth Despiau Cáceres is a 16-year-old girl who is in the eleventh grade. After completing her studies in high school she wants to continue her studies to become a Social Worker.
For this young woman who is responsible, dedicated, empathetic and always willing to help others, her three years in her Club have had a positive impact on her life. She describes it as a place of development and growth. She has stood out for her passion in transforming her environment into a positive one and being a spokesperson for her community.
Jabnia Mojica
Boys & Girls Club of Aguas Buenas
Jabnia Mojica, 16, is in the eleventh grade. Her short-term goals include finishing high school and completing a barbering course. She also wants to complete a doctorate in Medicine and envisions herself working at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico. For Jabnia, emotional health is very important and she wants to be emotionally stable and happy.
Respect, collaboration and leadership are qualities that undoubtedly represent this young woman who has been part of the Aguas Buenas Club since she was 7 years old. Jabnia has participated in all closed groups, thus causing a leadership impact on her Club colleagues.
Jafet Reyes Rodríguez
Boys & Girls Club of Arecibo
Jafet Reyes is a 17-year-old boy who is in twelfth grade. He excels in the sport of volleyball, he likes art and dancing.
His future aspirations or goals are to study law and become a criminal lawyer.
Reyes is a genuine, influential, charismatic, loving and committed young man. He is actively involved in Keystone in his role as president. He defends community rights and the well-being of participants. He collaborates with security and conflict resolution at the Arecibo Club, where he has developed his ability to channel his emotions and achieve self-control. He has created a bond of safe place within the Club and identifies with the leaders who have contributed to his growth as a leader.
Jexyeth Fraguada Nieves
Boys & Girls Club of Bayamón
When talking about Jexyeth Fraguada it is necessary to highlight her charisma, talent for the arts and vibrant personality. After his career at the Bayamón Club, today Jexyeth is a focused, dedicated young man with clear goals for his future. With that passion that characterizes him, he has been part of several Club programs, from the educational program to help him with his schoolwork, leadership and volunteer groups, to being the leader organizer of theatrical experiences at the Club.
Currently, he began his university studies at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, studying Theater Education.
Shailyn López García
Boys & Girls Club of Las Margaritas
Shailyn is a charismatic and outgoing young woman with initiatives to spread a message of improvement and leadership among her peers. She has a passion for dancing and volleyball, being part of the Las Margaritas Club team. Her friendliness and simplicity are a great example of her personality, character and gift of service to others. She has the ability to contribute ideas to the programs in which she participates. In the future, Shailyn wants to become a surgeon to serve her community and her country.
The Club was not only the space for fun, but also her safe place to demonstrate her intellectual ability, dance, and develop her leadership. “Thanks to the Club I was able to grow as a person and become what I am today, a young leader.”
Natalia Carrión Rodríguez
Boys & Girls Club of San Lorenzo
Natalia is an optimistic, responsible and humble young woman. She is in twelfth grade at the San Lorenzo Vocational School in the Culinary Arts workshop. For her future, she aspires to study Nutrition and continue developing in the area of Culinary Arts.
She began her adventure at the San Lorenzo Club when she was 6 years old, integrating into tutoring, summer camps and other programs. Participating in the Club’s programs has helped her develop skills and abilities that facilitate her social and personal life. “The club has been like my second home; “It has given me the opportunity to meet many exemplary colleagues and leaders who have inspired me every day.”
Jessyre Cruz López
Boys & Girls Club of Mayagüez
Jessyre has attended the Mayagüez Club since she was little and has participated in all areas, standing out in dance and basketball, although she later discovered her passion for art. In her Club, her interest in her health was born, awakening the flame that led her to choose Nursing as her university career. She always looks for ways to merge her love of nursing with art, giving way to express her imagination in unique ways. As a leader, Jessyre wants to be a role model, providing confidence and support to every child in the Club so they feel valued.
“The Club not only gave me artistic skills, but also taught me important values such as respect, honesty, helping and empathy.”
Dariel A. Roldán Yulfo
Boys & Girls Club of Isabela
Dariel is a responsible young man, with good behavior and unique values that make him a positive model for his peers. He has a commitment to his studies as well as various enriching experiences for his future. Dariel has participated in various programs at the Club, including: the Career Launch group, Health and Wellness Program, and the Educational Program under the Post-Secondary area. This young volleyball player stands out on the Gallitos de Isabela team. He also belongs to the honor roll of the Francisco Mendoza School.
Kendrick Casanova
Boys & Girls Club of Loíza
Kendrick began his adventure at the Loíza Club 12 years ago. He is an active participant in the different programs that helped shape his leadership, such as Keystone Club, Juntos Sanamos, Positive Action, Healthy Habits and the Educational program such as Diplomas to Degrees and Plan de Futuro. This young man understands that, through dedication, commitment and solidarity, other young people can contribute to social justice. He affirms that the Loíza Club contributes and provides him with the tools to be able to succeed in university, society and to continue supporting the people of Loíza. He longs to combine his passion for sports with Psychology, “to provide tools to face difficult situations, support decision making and instill teamwork, respect and discipline.” He is recognized by his teammates and Club leaders as a respectful, honest, committed young man, a good role model and as a good leader.
Ruth Despiau Cáceres
Boys & Girls Club of Carolina
Ruth Despiau Cáceres is a 16-year-old girl who is in the eleventh grade. After completing her studies in high school she wants to continue her studies to become a Social Worker.
For this young woman who is responsible, dedicated, empathetic and always willing to help others, her three years in her Club have had a positive impact on her life. She describes it as a place of development and growth. She has stood out for her passion in transforming her environment into a positive one and being a spokesperson for her community.