Club Supporters Choose Juan Barco as the 2011 WBGC Youth of the Year

In January, four Club teens--all of whom had previously won a WBGC Youth of the Quarter title--filled out the application to be considered as the Youth of the Year.  They spoke in front of a judges' panel about what the Club means to them and also fielded questions about school, family and hobbies.  In the end, it was a tough decision, but Ballard High School senior Juan Barco was chosen as WBGC's 2011 Youth of the Year.

Being on the judges' panel is a very meaningful experience which closely connects Club supporters to members.  This year, we were lucky enough to have six amazing judges:  Board member Sam Crumley and Karen Lonergan, Honorary Board member Bob Wicklein, and Club friends Nicole Sylvester, Carla Vance and Joanne Young.

"It was a great way to really see the day-to-day impact the club has on kids, and how they recognize it," Lonergan said.  "This is a great age where kids become reflective of influences on their lives, and seeing them articulate it is very gratifying."

A lot of the judges made comments about Juan, and about how he impressed them with his humbleness, but also with his sheer level of involvement with the Club over the past 12 years.  Juan started participating at WBGC in first grade, and although there were some behavioral bumps in the beginning, he has matured into a wonderful young man.  He has participated in the Club's athletic leagues, Junior Staff and CIT program, Torch and Keystone Clubs, and was employed by the 45th Street site as a front desk person.  Although he did not win the county competition in February, his family, Club staff, and especially the judges who attended the event, could not have been more proud.

As Crumley stated, "The Youth of the Year at Wallingford was such a great example of how the efforts and devotion of our club staff can build responsible, articulate and committed kids in the community.  It was a great validation for donors and supporters that what we contribute tot he Club is turned into young adults with character and gratitude.