Oceanside CA— For the second year in a row, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) has been named California State Youth of the Year (YOY). Ariana Tahmas, San Diego County Youth of the Year, won the state title today in Sacramento at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s California State Youth of the Year Competition. In addition to the title, Ariana was awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
Ariana, a junior at El Camino High School, will now compete for the Pacific Region Youth of the Year title on July 12th in Beverly Hills. Ariana has the opportunity to vie for National Youth of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon a Club member. The National Youth of the Year receives a $25,000 scholarship that is renewable for up to four years, totaling $100,000. This is a huge win for San Diego County, a demonstration of the importance of Boys & Girls Clubs in the lives of our youth, and a monumental achievement for 16 year-old Ariana.
Along with eight other YOY contestants from around California, Ariana was judged on her speech and essay regarding the critical impact the Club has had on her life. Ariana proudly credited the Club with giving her a home away from home and being there for her when her family life was in turmoil.
Ariana is involved in the Keystone Club, Model United Nations, and the Girls Learn International Club. She is part of her high school basketball team and practices at Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) with the Club team. She has played cello for four years and also plays the violin.
“Ariana is such a passionate and driven young woman who has overcome many obstacles to become the leader she is today,” said Jodi Diamond, CEO. “This is the second year in a row that BGCO has taken home the state title and we couldn’t be more excited for Ariana!”
Youth of the Year is a national Boys & Girls Clubs of America program. Since 1947 this has been the premier recognition program for Clubs, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership and service; academic excellence; and healthy life styles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside please contact Hannah Moss at hmoss@bgcoceanside.org, call (760) 433-8920, and visit our website BGCOceanside.org or Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BGCOside .