The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress selected three members as Youths of the Year for 2013: Kiah Netherly and Keiana Kozai of the Moody Branch and Derek Tracy of Club King. They were honored at a county-wide celebration on Friday, Feb. 28, along with representatives from the other 15 clubs in Orange County.
Derek is a sixth grade student at King Elementary School in the Cypress School District. He has been a member for the past five years and is very respectful to staff and enjoys helping his peers and staff whenever he can.
“Derek is an extremely smart kid who is a very positive role model at Club King. He is always willing to lend a helping hand,” Allison Valois, Club King Site Director, said.
Keiana Kozai is an eighth grade student at Lexington Junior High School in the Anaheim Unified School District. She is a natural leader at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress and is the active president of the Triple Play Leadership Club, a teen service group within the Club. Keiana volunteers her time to help with Club activities and help coordinate events for the younger members.
“Keiana is very energetic and involved at the Club. She is a hard worker and truly embodies the characteristics of a leader,” said Samantha Johnson, Site Director for the Moody Branch.
This year, the Moody Branch also selected a teen Youth of the Year delegate to participate on a competitive level against teen members in 14 other Clubs in Orange County to select the 2013 Orange County Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress chose Kiah Netherly, a sophomore at Western High School in the Anaheim Union High School District, because of her commitment to academic success and club service. Kiah has been a member of the Club for more than eight years and is known for always having a positive attitude and a great work ethic. “Kiah is a wonderful representative of our Club and a great role model for other members. We are very proud of all her accomplishments!” said David Frias, Board President. As part of Kiah’s Youth of the Year judging process, she had to submit multiple essays to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as well as interview with a panel of judges and recite two speeches about her commitment to the club and her community. When asked about the judging process, Kiah exclaimed, “I was really nervous when I entered the building for judging, but I eventually realized that I was stressing over nothing because the judges were really friendly. I’m just happy that I got to represent my club as their Youth of the Year!”
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 Derek, Keiana, and Kiah are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.
