Youth of the Year nominee Juan Salas

Juan Salas, 17, went to his local branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix to play on a basketball league. He stayed because it offered him a place to feel good about himself.

Juan Salas. Photo by Nancy Crase/CrasePhoto.

Salas 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.

Before finding the Warner A. Gabel Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs, Salas didn’t do much after school.

He quickly became involved with other activities, like the Keystone Club.

Salas also found strong male role models who have helped him set a positive example, something he needed growing up in a single-parent home.

“I didn’t really realize that the club was more than basketball and hanging out before. But once the staff helped me get involved in all the programs, I was hooked, and everyone became like family,” Salas says.

The North High School junior goes to the club nearly every day.

“The club has definitely taught me about how to be outgoing…about leadership and responsibility and given me so many opportunities to become the person I am today,” Salas says.

Opportunities like attending the regional Keystone conference with 500
other youth from Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. Salas also mentors younger members during the club’s Power Hour homework program, which have helped him hone his sense of responsibility to his community and the club.

“Because of the club and being involved in Keystone, I have matured and realized how important being a leader and positive role model is. I like doing things in the community and being someone the younger kids can look up to and be proud of,” he says.

After Salas finishes high school, he plans to go to a four-year university to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, in hopes of one day owning his own engineering firm.

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: Nominee Destini Ward.

Youth of the Year nominee Chloe Johnson

Chloe Johnson. Photo by Nancy Crase/CrasePhoto.

Chloe Johnson, a junior at St. Mary’s High School, has spent countless time at the MLB All-Star Arizona Diamondbacks Branch of the Boys &Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. She says it has felt like her second home since she was 5 years old. Johnson  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. For 12 years, the club provided Johnson with structure and support after school. She spent time doing art, got help with her homework and spent recreational time with friends. “ We would do our homework, then take art classes or learn about computers, but it never felt like learning. It’s also where I played basketball and developed the skills that it takes to be a champion,” Johnson says. Honing those skills at the club helped her advance at St. Mary’s High School to become an honors student and varsity athlete. She was first introduced to her love of basketball at her a club staff member. “Daniel taught me how to play basketball,” she says. “It brings so much joy into my life; I now enjoy going to my club and teaching the younger members how to play.” She still goes back to the club to volunteer. She is also involved with community service projects at her church and is on her school’s varsity basketball team. Johnson is also member of her school’s Black Student Union, Letterman’s Club and Youth for Life Culture Club. Johnson was awarded the AIA Student Athlete Award for Excellence. After high school, she wants to attend an ivy league college on athletic scholarship. She plans to pursue pre-law study so she can go to law school.  Her goal is to become a defense attorney so she can defend those who can’t defend themselves. 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: Nominee Kallie LaForest.