Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is proud to present the Junior Winner of the 2015 City Youth of the Year competition. Congratulations to fifteen-year-old Savanna from the Johnson Boys & Girls Club!
Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth of the Year (YOY) competition is an annual nation-wide program that helps Club members develop leadership and communication skills through an extensive application and interview process. Participants spend several months polishing their resume and finalizing several essays to present to a panel of judges.
Every year, there is one Senior (contestant aged 16-18) and one Junior (contestant aged 13-15) YOY winner. This year Savanna, the 2015 Junior YOY winner, showed strong presentation skills and a genuine nature for truly caring for others that won over the judges votes.
Savanna is a natural born leader across many facets of her life, especially at home. At age four, she saved her mom’s life from her abusive father by calling the police at a pivotal moment. After overcoming this incident, her mom has become her biggest role model. Savanna has stayed committed to helping her mother who is single-handedly raising seven children and works tirelessly day in and day out to keep a roof over her family’s head and food on the table.
“The past does not write your future,” said Savanna. “I genuinely believe this statement due to the difficulties my mom has overcome.”
Savanna’s mother leans heavily on the support of the Johnson Boys & Girls Club to help provide for her kids during the after school hours. Over the years, Savanna has become involved in many different programs within the Club while working towards creating a better future for herself. During the nine years that Savanna has been going to Johnson Boys & Girls Club, she has been involved both the Keystone and Torch Club leadership programs in which she has played key roles in guiding other teens and organizing big projects. Savanna is also a pivotal player on her Club basketball team, she is a Peer Leader and reading buddy to younger Club members and she helps give tours of the Club in Spanish when necessary.
“I enjoy being a peer leader and helping out around my Club. The Johnson Boys & Girls Club has helped me see the good in everyone. I have learned to help anyone who needs it. The Club is my second family.”
Savanna’s hard work both inside the Club and at school are paving the way for a bright future. She is determined to become the first of her siblings to graduate high school and set a new standard for her family.
“I have to be a role model to my younger family members and emphasize the importance of getting an education. I want to see my little brothers and sister walk across the graduation stage after me.”
Hello Savanna,
Thank you for sharing your story with us (new and old readers of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver news). I am a mother of three daughters and I feel much like you that I must lead by example and encourage them to do the right things, finish high school and future their education so that they are able to take care of themselves and give back to society. I am very encouraged by your determined spirit to help your mother and family through challenging times. Keep up the good work, keep focused on your goals and good health to you and your family.