Marena Sever, State Youth of the Year heads to Regional competition in southern California

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ (July 9, 2018) – Marena Sever, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Hilton Family Teen Center member will be representing BGCS and the state of Arizona at the Regional Youth of the Year competition this week in southern California. Marena has been a Thunderbirds Branch member for 10 years.

“It was at the Thunderbirds Branch that I grew from a shy, insecure 8-year-old to a strong, spirited advocate for today’s youth,” says Marena.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Marena for her entire Club journey,” said Liz Byrne, Branch Director Thunderbirds Branch. “She has become such an impressive young woman, and she never ceases to amaze me with her empathy, leadership skills, and dedication to excellence in all things that she does. I know that she will do great in this process, and I am so excited to have the honor of experiencing it with her.”

Marena is the first BGCS member to be named Arizona State Youth of the Year and compete at the Regional level since 2011.

“My process of preparing for the regional competition can best be characterized as nervous excitement,” said Marena. “It brings me such joy to be representing not only my city, but my state. I’m especially looking forward to befriending all of the other state YOY’s.”

Youth of the Years from Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington will join Marena in Los Angeles for activities and the culminating gala on July 12. Marena will compete in a judging session in Beverly Hills, take a Disney studios tour, participate in a Disney leadership session and meet her State YoY peers.

The Pacific Youth Region Youth of the Year will go to the National Youth of the Year competition in Washington D.C., in September.