Beylul Woldebruk. Photo by Nancy Crase/CrasePhoto.
Beylul Woldebruk began attending the Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix when she was 12 years old. Initially, she came almost daily, looking for a safe place in her neighborhood where she could meet new people.
Little did she know that the club, members and staff would have such a positive impact on her life. Woldebruk is one of 12 outstanding Valley youth vying to become the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix Youth of the Year during the “Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars” event Feb. 18. The event, which ultimately will chose one youth to represent the chapter at the statewide competition, will be held from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.
“The biggest impact the club has made on my life is teaching me how to make positive choices and be myself,” says Woldebruk.
Woldebruk is president of the Keystone Club, a leadership and community service club for teens at her branch. She plans community service events for her club and shows teens the importance of giving back to the community. Her favorite event was hosting a food drive for a local food bank.
Woldebruk loves being a role model for younger kids because before coming to the club she didn’t always have that confidence. She was bullied at school. Now, when she has a problem, she can go to a staff member at the club for advice. She also learned how to make positive choices, in and outside of the club.
“Instead of skipping school, smoking, drinking and partying like a lot of my friends at school, I do fun, healthy things like playing volleyball and singing,” she says.
The club has helped her to prepare for college by visiting college campuses including Arizona State University. After she graduates from Central High School, she hopes to become a nurse so she can help people.
Every year, thousands of children benefit from after-school youth development programs, extended services and community support programs through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix’ 12 clubhouses, dental clinic and outreach programs. For more information, visit bgcmp.org
— Erin Saltzman
Tomorrow: Meet nominee Chloe Johnson.
