Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale names eight Youth of the Year finalists at annual celebration
Eight BGCS 2018-19 BGCS Youth of the Year finalists, pictured from left to right: (back row) Tisha B., Caleb J., Michael B. and Jake M., (front row) Elyssa V., Alexandra G., Jessica V. and Tara M.
On Wednesday evening, the eight teen finalists who will compete to be named 2019 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth of the Year were announced. The finalists were selected from a field of 26 BGCS teens, representing eight local Clubs.
The finalists are: Tisha B., Virginia G. Piper Branch; Michael B., Vestar Branch; Alexandra G., Scottsdale Charros Branch; Caleb J., Red Mountain Branch (SRPMIC); Tara M., Thunderbirds Branch; Jake M., Mary Ellen & Robert McKee Branch; Elyssa V., Lehi Branch (SRPMIC); Jessica V., Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch.
“Our Youth of the Year candidates showcase the best parts of our Clubs at work,” said Robyn Julien, BGCS President & CEO. “Hats off to all 26 candidates, their Club advisors and families. We are so proud of them all. I can’t wait to watch our finalists — Tisha, Michael, Alexandra, Caleb, Tara, Jake, Elyssa and Jessica — grow and progress as we approach our gala in March.”
The 2019 BGCS Youth of the Year will be named at the Celebrate Youth at Blue Door Ball, presented by Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. and Great American Title, Inc. held on March 1, 2019, at the J.W. Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This annual gala and fundraiser raises critical dollars for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. At this event, all eight finalists will deliver their inspiring stories to an audience of 700+ community leaders and philanthropists.
Leading up to the March 1 gala, the eight finalists will meet weekly to
strengthen and hone their speaking, writing and interview skills in preparation for the final round of judging in February. The judging process for each round of competition assesses three essays, one 3-minute speech along with one-on-one and panel interviews with a group of community judges. All 26 candidates completed the first round of the competition and judging in early November.
Youth of the Year is a program run at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. It highlights academic excellence, community service and Club leadership. Beginning at the local Club level, the program culminates with Boys & Girls Clubs of America naming a national Youth of the Year.
Meet our eight candidates here
