Youth of the Year Regionals | Showtime | Huntington Beach, CA

Day 4. Judgement day. Showtime. This is the day that each of the youth had been preparing for. Before arriving in Huntington Beach, Vanessa and I had a pretty good idea of what to expect for the week. However, we underestimated the power of the relationships that would be built over the few days we had with our group. Afterall, this was a “competition” with $15,000 in scholarship money, and a trip to Washington D.C. to meet the President that was on the line. Who wants to make friends?

Well, that’s exactly what happened. 17 youth took part in this amazing experience, chosen by leaders in their community to represent their Boys & Girls Clubs, and their states. But, this wasn’t like the Hunger Games where you turn them loose and let them take each other out to become the victor. Instead, each youth held each other up, supported one another, and gave props when one of them did something amazing. They were genuine, humble, and amazing representatives.

In the end, California’s Youth of the Year, Yossy Rojas was chosen to represent the Pacific region. He will no doubt be a force in Washington and we all can’t help but feel we are moving forward with him.

As far as Vanessa goes, this isn’t the last time you will hear from her. This expereience is just a small piece of her journey. Every person at the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties is so proud of her accomplishments. She is one extraordinary 18 year old and will dominate in the future.