Eight inspiring teens shared stories of resilience, leadership, and purpose at the club’s 21st annual event
Amidst the cacophony inherent in our modern world and a multitude of challenges faced by residents as they valiantly soldier through the rebuilding process, Malibu is blessed because joyously, one thing remains constant — our youth are inherently optimistic, striving to find their niche in life and to contribute their positivity and talents for the greater good.
The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is as constant as the northern star in supporting students and their families to enable the next generation to have the opportunities they need and the confidence to achieve their goals.
As one entered the room at Third Space, the club’s innovative gathering space and long-term recovery center, he was welcomed by a sense of excitement and anticipation for the club’s 21st Youth of the Year award.
The panel of judges was charged with the obligation to select a winner from among the eight outstanding candidates who were nominated on the basis of their academic excellence, leadership, and positive role modeling. Those civic leaders, whom the club’s CEO, Kacey Earnest lovingly calls, “the embracers,” included Dr. Antonio Shelton, superintendent of Santa Monica Malibu School District; two philanthropists, Staci Richard of Direct Relief and Elisa Perlman of the Change Reaction; a banker, Mona Vince of Bank of America; Pepperdine University’s COO Nicolle Taylor; and Fox Sports Senior Vice President Wendy Luckenbill. The panel listened intently to presentations by eight teens who shared their lived history, their inspirations and aspirations, and all panelists were very impressed and hard-pressed to choose just one winner because in the judges’ minds, all competing are winners.
The students’ stories depicted a microcosm of teens’ lives in America. One, the child of two chefs, wants to attend the Culinary Institute of America in New York and ultimately, to open up a communal gathering space to serve food because he intends, “To cook from a space of love because food connects and the Boys & Girls Club has taught me the value of having a community.”
Another struggled with an eating disorder, yet found empowerment through dance because, “with dance one can express emotions that I don’t have words for.” Her career goal: to help people create safe spaces and be organized, utilizing color psychology because various colors can evoke certain positive emotions. “A color can impact your mind,” she said. “If you see a room with light blue or pink, those hues can cause happiness.”
Another competitor strives to be a veterinarian because, even as a young child, she perceived that animals are sentient creatures with emotions and thought processes. “DemocraShe helped me find my voice and made me want to help other people,” the candidate shared, referring to a nonprofit organization that provides high school girls with training in evidence-based resiliency skills, leadership, and civic engagement.
Yet another candidate aims to be a neuroscientist, a goal engendered by a teacher discussing morality and perceptions of good and bad. “I have been honored to serve as the president of Brett’s Club at our school, a club focusing on drug and alcohol usage prevention,” She informed the engaged panelists. “We sometimes host speakers and also discuss scenarios teens can encounter, such as discussing how to handle a situation if a drunk friend wants to drive someone home.”
His enjoyment of gaming has motivated one candidate to aspire to create innovative video games focusing on collaborative gaming and install them in waiting lobbies and other spaces to offer visitors the ability to interact with one another, not to merely play games in isolation or worse yet, to be lonely and alone in waiting lobbies.
“To progress in my goal, I want to find a coding program opportunity,” The applicant informed, noting that his effort is grounded on improving the mental health of gamers. Then, he shared why the Boys & Girls Club’s programs mattered to him so much, simply stating, “Outside of school, I didn’t know where to go — I didn’t feel seen. At the club, I felt that multiple people who are staff members helped me and truly cared about me!” He said. “Through the club, I’ve learned responsibility, kindness, and what it means to do the right thing — even when no one is watching.”
Another applicant, also the child of immigrants, enjoys working at the Snack Shack with friends and helping out howeverhe can. “At the club, I learned the value of having a community,” he said, noting that his participation in the club helped him to overcome racism and homophobia. “Participating in the career launch program at the Club’s Third Space venue gave me the opportunity to work with representatives of FEMA and the Red Cross and also helped me to develop my apparel line, One of Five, which was inspired by my friend unfortunately committing suicide — something that one in five youth consider,” he said. “I founded the Malibu High Wellness Club in my freshman year, and there, we do therapeutic activities, including meditation, and create a comfortable space for all.”
Judges were also impressed by another candidate, also a child of immigrants, whose career goal is to become a dermatologist, because she was humbled and motivated by helping to make hygiene kits for women domestic violence victims. “I want to help people feel proud and comfortable and to enjoy who they are,” she shared.
And . . . . the winner is Diego A.
“It never felt like a competition — that was my favorite part. It truly felt like a family. That’s what the Club does best,” Diego A., the winner, noted. Diego received a $2,000 scholarship and now advances to the Los Angeles County Youth of the Year competition on March 12. The other candidates also received scholarships for their achievements.
This year, Diego will attend Tulane University on a Posse Foundation Scholarship, where he plans to study Latin American studies and archaeology.
“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity. I’ve been part of this program for four years, and it’s been amazing to grow alongside past winners and future leaders,” Diego said. “These are people I know I’ll stay connected with, because they’ve played such an important role in my life and helped shape who I am today. I’m so excited for what’s ahead!”
The competition could not have been as successful and meaningful to the students without the support they received from all the club’s staff, especially Hanna Matheson, Teen Center director, who spent many hours helping the students develop their presentations.
“This ceremony meant so much to me. I’ve known these kids for years, and seeing them up on stage, knowing everything it took for them to get there, not just during this process but over the past several years, was incredibly meaningful,” Matheson said. “One of our candidates even wrote his Youth of the Year essay back in seventh grade. Being here to watch them deliver their speeches for the first time, after looking forward to this moment for two and a half years, was truly rewarding.”
For all in attendance, it was truly rewarding to, just for a little while, bask in the warmth and light exuded by youth who feel purposeful and seen.