Meet our Youths of the Quarter: Fall 2019

Youth of the Quarter is a wonderful opportunity to recognize outstanding Club teens and come together for a night of good food and community building.

Youth of the Quarter winners are awarded by their Club staff, based on academic excellence, service & leadership, and healthy lifestyles. At the Mercer Island Club on Thursday, September 20, seven teens took the stage to accept their awards and tell their Club stories.

It’s truly remarkable to hear about the Club’s impact on our young people firsthand. Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to their Club mentors who continue to nurture that development.  

Kaelan

North Seattle

In the seven years since she first joined the Club, Kaelan has seen the Club grow and expand dramatically. At the Club, she appreciates interactive learning and having a strong support network. Kaelan’s core values are: “teamwork, positivity, and kindness”.    

Nadezhda

Bainbridge Island

Leading with positivity, Nadezhda loves all Club activities from field trips to cooking to arts & crafts. But above all, her favorite part of Boys & Girls Clubs is the staff. 

Kaya

Ballard

Kaya first joined the Club as a CIT (counselor-in-training) for four weeks in the summer, and was surprised to find how much she loved it. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it really effected my future.” Kaya is now a counselor and Keystone member, having attended the Keystone National Conference in Orlando this summer. Because of her Club experience, Kaya has adapted her future plans to “major in social work or public policy to help more kids.”  

Alaisha

Federal Way Teen Center

Alaisha thanks the Club for giving her stability and safety through family hardships. “Club staff made things like Christmas and Thanksgiving possible for me and my family.” Through opportunities at the Club, Alaisha has developed into a strong and independent leader.  

Jayden

Mercer Island

Jayden first joined the Renton / Skyway Club before moving and joining the Mercer Island Club. At both Clubs, Jayden found that helping with younger kids gives him purpose and brings him joy. He appreciates that people talk about difficult topics at the Club and find community in each other. Showing his wisdom, Jayden’s life philosophy is: “I always try to be better than I was yesterday.”    

Danika

Sammamish

Danika served as a CIT (counselor-in-training) at the Club over summer and discovered the chaotic and rewarding world of summer camp at the Club. As a responsible and positive role model for younger kids, Danika appreciates the staff, friends, and community of the Club. 

Ezekiel

Wallingford

Ezekiel appreciates that Club staff pay attention and provide opportunities to youth, based on their interests. According to Ezekiel: “There was never a moment when the staff and Club couldn’t provide me with what I need.” At the Club, he feels safe to explore difficult topics, inspired to learn and grow, and challenged to empathize with people of different backgrounds.  

After all the youth spoke, there was an opportunity for friends, family, and staff to continue the love by gushing about the amazing winners. Hearing teenagers share about their admiration for each other is heart-warming and reminds us how special this community really is.