Jazmin Velazquez Named 2010 King County Youth of the Year         

On February 9th, 12 teens from around the county went to Benaroya Hall to represent their Clubs as they competed for the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County Youth of the Year award.  Just for being selected as their Club’s representative, each teen received a new suit and shopping spree from Macy’s, a $500 scholarship, and other assorted prizes.  Candidates spent the morning being interviewed by judges, including local businesspeople and media representatives.  They then gave a speech on “What the Boys & Girls Club Means to Me” to an audience of 300 people.  The teens spoke about their varied backgrounds, and issues that have faced them in their young lives—individuals highlighted things such as how the Club helped them return to school after dropping out; provided a refuge when friends and family members were joining gangs; was a welcome relief from the feeling of being bullied at school; and just provided a second home to hang out, play games, and get help with homework. 

We are very happy to say that, at the end of the event, Wallingford’s own Jazmin Velazquez was chosen as the county winner!  Jazmin, a 10-year Club member, has participated in everything the Club has had to offer—the Drop-in program, Power Hour, athletics, summer camps, SMART Girls, Counselor-in-Training, Torch Club, Keystone, and she was recently hired as a staff person at the 45th Street site.  In her speech, Jazmin spoke about growing up in a household where her mother had to struggle to make ends meet.  Jazmin’s mother, a war refugee, was determined to stay in this country so that her daughters would have all the opportunities that she never had.  Jazmin faced struggles early, when her father tried to kidnap her, and when he was eventually deported.  With her mother often working long hours, or multiple jobs, she had to take on many household tasks and watch her little sister.  They often had to move apartments or even cities to stay afloat, and the family sometimes dealt with a lack of necessities.  But Jazmin’s mom taught her to stay dignified and to take pride in whatever she does, and Jazmin has become one of the most grounded, sweet, genuine young women the staff here have ever known.  We are so proud that we have been able to help provide her with support and consistency over the years.  With all of the struggles her family faced, with all of the fears and the worries—we are so grateful that the Club was able to ensure that Jazmin always had a welcoming and safe place to be when out of school. 

The county competition is very tough.  In fact, it has been a decade since a Wallingford candidate has taken the top prize.  But the judges were impressed by Jazmin’s smile and warmth, and they saw in her the wonderful teen that she is.  As part of the WBGC family, we hope that our B.F. Day, Sacajawea, View Ridge, and 45th Street families will join us in celebrating this achievement.  Thank you to all our families for your friendship and support.