The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress honored their three Youth of the Year recipients, Kiah Netherly and Juliet Cox of the Moody Branch and David Obregon of Club King, at the Orange County Youth of the Year Banquet on Friday, Feb. 26. The three winners were honored alongside youth and teen representatives from the other 15 Clubs in Orange County. The theme of the event was “Lead. Succeed. Inspire.” and was held at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. A total of 34 Orange County youth were recognized at the banquet. All three Cypress members were selected as the representatives for their Club due to their leadership skills, involvement in Club programs, and overall attitude.
Juliet Cox is a 7th grader at Lexington Junior High. She has been a member of the Club for over two years. She is the president of the Torch Club and the vice president of the Triple Play Leadership Club, the two service organizations at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress. Juliet is very compassionate, dedicated, and a great role model for younger members. She enjoys coming to the Club to hang out with her friends, lead activities for the younger grades, and to finish her homework so she doesn’t procrastinate.
David Obregon is a 6th grader at Clara King Elementary. He participates on the Club King Council and completes in-Club service projects such as making blankets for the homeless and serving snacks to the younger members. David enjoys playing on the Club’s soccer and basketball teams, as well as constantly learning new things. His plan for the future is to continually be a better person, help those in need, and be like his dad.
This year, the Moody Branch also selected a teen Youth of the Year delegate to participate on a competitive level against teen members in 11 other Clubs in Orange County to select the 2016 Orange County Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress chose Kiah Netherly, a senior at Western High School in the Anaheim School District because of her commitment to academic success and Club service. Kiah has been a member of the Club for over ten years and is known for always having a positive attitude and a great work ethic. “Kiah has grown up with the Club and we are extremely proud of her. She is a great leader, an excellent role model, and is committed to not only her Club, but her community as well. We are so proud of Kiah’s accomplishments and know that she is on the path to a successful future,” said Samantha Johnson, Site Director. 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 a speech about her commitment to the Club and her community. At the Youth of the Year banquet on February 26th, Kiah received a $1,000 scholarship from Disney for her achievements.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premiere recognition program, celebrationg the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Youth of the Year 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 Kiah, Juliet, and David are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.