Boys & Girls Club’s state ‘Youth of the Year’ from SF
A senior at Tierra Encantada Charter School in Santa Fe has been named 2021 “Youth of the Year” for the state of New Mexico by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Mathew Chavez, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/Del Norte, beat out two other candidates — one from Las Cruces and another from central New Mexico — according to a news release. The award is based on outstanding contributions to family, school, community and the Boys & Girls Club.
“We are very proud of Mathew. He exemplifies everything we strive to teach our Club members,” Roman “Tiger” Abeyta, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/ Del Norte, said in a statement. “He will do well to represent us when he competes for Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year at the Regional competition.”
The Southwest region competition will be held in June.
Chavez is a straight A student who plans to attend the University of New Mexico this fall. So the $3,500 in scholarship money that came with the honor will be handy.
According to the release, Chavez cares deeply about his education, community, health and leadership. He serves as coordinator of Teen Nights and other events at the club in Santa Fe, takes part in community service activities, such as neighborhood cleanups and gardening projects. He also tutors younger club members.
At the regional competition, Chavez will compete against representatives from seven other states for a chance to win $40,000 in scholarship money. If he wins that one, he’ll go on to nationals in Washington, D.C., for a chance to win $100,000 and an opportunity to meet President Joe Biden.