2024 Youth of Year honored
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties recently presented its 2024 Youth of the Year title to North Port High School student Bianca D. during its annual Steak & Burger Youth of the Year Celebration.
Four other outstanding teens were in the running for Youth of the Year. Each exemplified the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission and are proof of the impact the Clubs make in transforming lives:
Ashley V., Venice High School,
12th grade.
Ava M., Pine View School, 11th grade.
Nishalle U., Pine View School,
12th grade.
Sierra M., Riverview High School, 12th grade.
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the premier recognition program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that fosters a new generation of leaders. The program celebrates the achievements of Club members across the nation. Candidates compete at the local Club, state, and regional levels before attending the national celebration.
Bianca is a senior at North Port and a member of the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club. She joined the Boys & Girls Clubs in 2021 through the Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) Leadership Program.
“The relationships, lessons, and opportunities that Boys & Girls Club has bestowed upon me changed my life and ignited my passion for service,” Bianca said. “I am committed to showing my gratitude by uplifting communities like those impacted by the Club, enabling others to discover the power of their voices.”
Since 2015, the organization has had five State Youth of the Year, two state runners-up, one state finalist, three Regional Youth of the Year winners, one regional runner-up, and one National Youth of the Year.
“Bianca is a shining example of the qualities BGCSDC seeks to instill; a driven youth leader committed to inspiring change and creating a world that is not only better but more compassionate,” said Bill Sadlo, BGCSDC president/ CEO. “Her growth through the Club is a testament to the transformative power of our teen programming, and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire and uplift those around her. We are immensely proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to seeing her journey unfold as she goes on to represent us at the state level.”
A commitment to service
Bianca’s commitment to service extends beyond her participation in the STAR program. She has had active roles on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Youth Council, The Club’s Cultural Immersion Program, and Senate Page Program. In addition, she was invited to participate in the 2023 Summit for America’s Youth, BGCA’s premier youth advocacy event where Club members, alongside their adult mentors, have the opportunity to experience the Nation’s capitol, share ideas with members of Congress, and engage in training sessions.
“Being named Youth of the Year brings the promise of hope,” Bianca said. “Hope for the thousands of kids who walk into the Club feeling insignificant; those who never saw themselves as leaders but found their voices in Clubs across the nation.”
Beyond her involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs, Bianca serves as a Youth Leader for the EMCC Youth Choir and participates in the Speech & Debate Club, Student Government, Links Crew, and Key Club at North Port High School. She also serves as a General Assembly member of the National Honor Society.
After graduation, Bianca plans to study psychology and theological studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University and hopes to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist, entrepreneur, and preacher. Learn more at bgcsdc.org.
Submitted by Erin Guzzo