On February 10, 2009, outstanding youth leaders from 12 of the Boys & Girls Clubs in King County spoke candidly about what the Boys & Girls Club means to them.  Representing the Wallingford Club as its Youth of the Year was Sarah Agan, 17.  A member since 1999, Sarah (in the photo, far left) has participated in the free afterschool program, athletics, Torch Club, SMART Girls, Youth for Unity, Counselor-in-Training, and currently, Keystone Club.

The Youth of the Year event, held annually at Benaroya Hall, is the premier program of Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation, and Sarah endured a lengthy interview process with panel judges before giving her speech before an audience of more than 300 people.  Additionally, Sarah was selected to be one of only three youth speakers at an evening event at Benaroya Hall, honoring the Boys & Girls Clubs' many supporters.  During the evening event, it was announced that Sarah was chosen as the first runner-up in the King County competition.

"Sarah is a great Club member," said Meghan Sweet, the club's associate executive director.  "She is always willing to help and participate in everything.  She has had to overcome significant obstacles at school and she has worked so hard to acheive success."

Sarah was chosen to represent Wallingford because she has attended almost every school day for the past ten years, and has always been particularly helpful to staff, especially as she's grown into her role as a Keystone leader.  "Sarah is an exceptional role model to younger members about what it can be like to grow up at the Club," Sweet said.  "She has really taken advantage of everything we have to offer and I can say personally that I really enjoy her company."

Sarah is currently a junior at Ingraham High School and plans to take some vocational classes next year at Seattle Central Community College, with the ultimate goal of going to cosmotology school.  Additionally, she would like to pursue a career helping kids with disabilities.  She currently volunteers with Special Olympics.

In honor of her achievement, Sarah received a shopping spree at Macy's and a GET scholarship, which was increased when she won first runner-up. 

February 2009