Local Teen Named Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

Angel Alvarez is a true example of an extraordinary young man. At age 13, he has just been selected as the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove. Alvarez is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

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.

Angel Alvarez has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove for almost four years. At the Club, he enjoys playing soccer, participating in the RBI baseball program, and learning from the Club staff members. "The staff pushes me to go the extra mile; to beyond what's expected, telling me I can! They help me see the potential I don't see in myself," explains Alvarez. "My staff even teaches me manners, like how to be a gentleman and be respectful."

"Angel has a great personality, works hard and loves his family. Staff and members enjoy his presence; he's a great leader to our program," said Junior Levale, Fitz Intermediate Coordinator, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove.

This spring, Alvarez will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the California Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from Reader's Digest. If Alvarez wins at the state level, then he 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 2008 to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an Oval Office ceremony.

Angel Alvarez is an inspiration to the community and other Club kids, "Success isn't really about landing a great job it's about following your dreams. Success is when you find something you really enjoying doing until you catch it. Don't just have dreams, live them out!"

The following Club members will be honored at the Youth of the Year celebration in March celebrating the great achievements accomplished by our members in Garden Grove:

Joshua Perez - Alamitos Intermediate
Ruben Contreras - Bryant Elementary
Vision Borgonia - Clinton Kids Club
Haydee Guzman - Doig Intermediate
Jaylah Mendoza - Edgar Kids Club
Angel Alvarez - Fitz Intermediate
Viviana Magana - Heritage Elementary
Irma Gutierrez - Irvine Intermediate
Malia Laguisan - Jordan Intermediate
Thuy Tran - Main Branch
Rochelle Draper - Patton Kids Club
Daniela Lopez - Rosita Elementary
Michelle Gonzalez - Russell Elementary
Miguel Duran - Santiago High School
Jenna Huynh - Skylark Elementary
Gabriella Balandran - Stanford Kids Club
Yvonne Valencia - Zeyen Elementary