Colorado Youth of the Year

Colorado Youth of the Year

A few months ago, I did an article explaining the Youth of the Year program that Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation participate in, highlighting several of the Colorado Youth of the Year nominees. For a quick recap, the Youth of the Year program is open for high school aged Club kids or junior staff that exhibit and embody the spirit of the Club. These chosen participants compete at the district, state, and national level to earn scholarships and show off how they have contributed toward their Club. The Colorado Youth of the Year that was chosen for 2019 was from a Club in Salida, Athena. While attending a district meeting last week in Salida, Athena was present to talk about how her experience competing for Youth of the Year at the national level. Even though Athena is not a Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club (BCBGC) kid, it is always exciting to cheer on a Colorado Club kid at the national level to represent our state. 

Her national Youth of the Year journey started with a few days in New York City before heading to Washington D.C. Athena noted it was her first time in Washington D.C. and in her words “it was awesome, we did so many cool things! We even met Cory Gardner and he gave us a private tour”. She also noted it was her first time ever trying crepes! Brian, the Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Chaffee County, the Club Athena belongs to, recalled that Athena asked for crepes at almost every meal. Athena noted that even though the competition was intense at nationals, and she was well aware she might not win, she had a great time connecting with all the other Youth of the Years across the country who were able to share their own Club experiences. Although Athena did not win, we were all proud to have her represent our state and continue to be such a wonderful role model for future Club kids. Athena is currently attending the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. It was an awesome experience getting to hear about the final step in her Youth of the Year journey. 

On a parting note, the BCBGC will be holding a monthly donor contest starting November 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. During that time, anyone who signs up to become a monthly donor, for any monthly amount, will be entered into a drawing to win two VIP tickets to the 2020 Montrose Wine & Food Festival (valued at $200). Existing monthly donors will be automatically entered. The drawing will take place on March 1, 2020. As a bonus, for any amount you donate you will receive 50% back on your Colorado state taxes as part of the Child Care Tax Credit. You can sign up today at https://www.bcbgc.org/support-the-club. 

Bud Taylor is the Executive Director for the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club (BCBGC) and had been for the past three years. Prior to that, he was a BCBGC kid, junior staff member, and board director. Feel free to contact Bud Taylor by e-mail at btaylor@bcbgc.org or visit the Club’s website for more information, www.bcbgc.org.