Elva Alvarez, a senior at Malibu High School and four-year member of Boys & Girls Club of Malibu was recently selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the title of “California Youth of the Year” and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
As the “Youth of the Year” for Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, Alvarez is among hundreds of local youths across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community, the BGCM stated in a recent press release.
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 the Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles.
“Alvarez has soared in the face of adversity,” the press release stated. “Moving to Malibu from El Salvador in the eighth grade proved difficult for Alvarez. She drew on the strength of her family and the support of The Club to learn English, achieve academic excellence and get involved to make a difference in her community.”
Alvarez has volunteered countless hours by cleaning the Club, helping mentor her younger peers about healthy lifestyles though SMART Girls, and serving as a chaperone on special field trips. She has participated in a number of different club programs and is currently a high school intern. She has also been involved in many community service opportunities, and volunteers at Malibu High School’s English Language Development Department.
If Alvarez wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of “Pacific Region Youth of the Year” and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will advance to Washington D.C., in September to compete for the title of BGCA’s “National Youth of the Year” and an additional $15,000 college scholarship.