The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress recently selected two members as Youths of the Year for 2014. Sal Villa of the Moody Branch and Imani Austin of Club King were selected for their overall involvement in club programs and for displaying excellent leadership skills.
Imani Austin is a 6th grade student at King Elementary School in the Cypress School District. She has been a member for the past five years and is very respectful to staff, enjoying helping her peers and staff whenever she can.
“Imani has a wonderful attitude and works really hard,” said Club King Site Director Allison Valois. “She is a positive role model at Club King and is always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Sal Villa is an 8th grade student at Lexington Junior High School in the Anaheim Unified School District. He is a natural leader at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress and plays an active role in many club programs including the Triple Play Leadership Club, a teen service group within the club. Sal volunteers his time to help with club activities and to coordinate events for the younger members.
“Sal is a great kid,” said Site Director for the Moody Branch Samantha Johnson. “He has shown great improvement and really come out of his shell since attending the club. We are so proud to have him represent our club as Youth of the Year.”
Both Imani and Sal will be recognized at the Orange County Youth of the Year recognition event on March 27.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. It recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles.
Youth of the Year encourages club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles, and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees such as Sal and Imani are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.