Rockwall teen vies for North Texas Youth of the Year, scholarship

(ROCKWALL-February 6, 2013) Selected among several local outstanding youth, Chris Rivera will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the North Texas Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation.

Rivera will compete this Friday and Saturday, February 7 and 8, in Killeen, TX.

As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Rockwall County, 17-year old Rivera is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, 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 are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“Chris is a natural leader who exhibits the very best qualities we expect from all BGC members,” said Misti Potter, BGC of Rockwall County President & CEO. 

Rivera has been attending the Boys & Girls Club of Rockwall County since 3rd grade and became a volunteer in 2008. One major challenge that Chris had was focusing on his academics, and the Club taught him how bring structure in his life allowing him to overcome his academic hardships.

Chris Rivera accepts the award for BGC-Rockwall Youth of the Year.

Rivera is the current president for the KeyStone youth leadership and service group for youth 14 to 18 years of age. As a member of KeyStone he volunteers his time around the Club – helping members with homework, assisting in running programs, preparing for special events, and running community outreach.  He is always in a positive mood and exemplifies what a member should be. Any time he is needed to help around the Club he is the first to jump in and lend a helping hand.

Over the last few years Rivera has volunteered with many organizations such as creating a children’s healthy cookbook for other youth in the Rockwall ISD.  He has helped make boxed lunches for Habitat for Humanity delivering the food to the work crews.

Rivera has shown a wide range of academics interests where he has shown his ability to meet his goals. He participates in several extracurricular groups at school including the Culinary Arts Club, and the Interact Club. He has a dream of attending a University and reaching all his goals.

“The Boys and Girls Club has always served as a second home, and is greeted with open arms. This feel of family is the reason I keep coming back,” Rivera said.

He added that he comes to volunteer for more than just service hours, but also because he loves what the Club stands for and wants to be a part of it.

If Rivera wins at the North Texas competition, he will compete for the State of Texas followed by the title of Southwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor.

Five regional winners will advance to Washington,D.C. in September 2013, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Rockwall County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Rockwall County focuses on providing activities and programs for all young people between the ages of 6 and 18 that are affordable, positive, impactful and measurable. Boys and girls participate in a variety of programs in the areas of Education & Career Development, The Arts, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, and Sports Fitness and Recreation. More than 400 young people participate annually with those attending the Club more than 2 times per week increasing by 45% during the summer and over 15% for the school year. For more information about the Club go to bgcrockwall.com. 

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Shared by Misti Potter, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Rockwall County.

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