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Jessica D. candidate for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley youth of the year
Posted
One favorite thing that I’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club has been becoming a Leader in Training because of the experiences and opportunities. I was able to go to White Mountains, kayaking, sports games and assist the staff.”
Jessica D., Boys & Girls Club-Superstition Mountain Branch’s youth of the year candidate
Jessica D. is the Boys & Girls Club-Superstition Mountain Branch’s youth of the year candidate.
She has been a club member at the Superstition Branch for nine years, according to a release.
“Her ambition and enthusiasm shines through in everything she does. Her determination and dedication have helped her to figure out how to be more successful in school by setting goals that are obtainable for her,” it states.
During her membership, she has volunteered more than 4,500 hours to help the community and has become a mentor for many of the members at her club in Apache Junction.
She has also held positions such as vice president and treasurer of Torch Club as well as treasurer for Keystone.
She became a coach and referee for different club sports including flag football, soccer, T-ball and basketball.
“While coaching, she taught them how to strive to be a great team player and how to not give up once you start something. At the end of each season the kids were excited to start another sport especially if Jessica would be their coach again,” the release states.
Jessica enjoys being a mentor to club members so much so that during the summer, she participated in “Leader in Training” at her club which she has done for the past four years.
“In this program, Jessica would help kindergartners to second graders on how to read and comprehend stories. She gives more than a 110% to those she mentors and shows them that as long as they try and do the best they can, they are successful,” according to the release.
After completing some of her classes at Leading Edge Academy Gilbert Early College, she is planning on attending an NAIA, D1, D2 or D3 college to pursue her love for basketball and continue her education in law enforcement.
“One favorite thing that I’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club has been becoming a Leader in Training because of the experiences and opportunities. I was able to go to White Mountains, kayaking, sports games and assist the staff,” Jessica said in the release.
A virtual event honoring youth of the year candidates and the 2022 youth of the year for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley is 6-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. Go to bgcaz.org/cye to register.
