Originally published on Positively Osceola – January 12, 2024
During its inaugural Youth of the Year ceremony, the St. Cloud Boys & Girls Club named its overall ‘Youth of the Year’ winner for 2023, Ms. K. Torres of St. Cloud High School.
The goal is to honor youth (ages 13 through 18) who have worked as leaders and volunteers in their club, school, and community. Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.
In attendance during the ceremony were (Pictured above left to right): Ms. E. Pujols – Runner up, Ms. A. Douglas – Runner up, Mr. Brian Wetzel, President of St. Cloud Hospital for Orlando Health, Youth of Year Winner – Ms. K. Torres, Ms. A. Marcano – Runner up and Mr. A. Lindsay, Service Director – St. Cloud B&GC’S
Ms. K. Torres will represent the St. Cloud Boys & Girls Club this year as the official youth ambassador.
President of Orlando Health, Brian Wetzel shared, “Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital was thrilled to participate in this great event that recognizes the intellect, talent and potential of the wonderful young people who serve at, and are served by, the St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida.”
This year’s Youth of the Year program was sponsored by Orlando Health.
For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing, according to BGCA.org.
“These are future leaders,” Alex C. Lindsay, St. Cloud Club Director and former National Youth of the Year finalist, said. “Ms. K. Torres leads by positive example, she does this at school, home, and in her community, not just at the Boys and Girls club.”
“In a sense of confidence,” K. Torres responded, “knowing you’re a leader is important but knowing you have to be one is a little bit bigger, bigger than myself.”
The four finalists where: K. Torres of St. Cloud High School, A. Marcano of Digital Academy of Florida, E. Pujols of Harmony High School, and A. Douglas of Tohopekaliga High School made the finals as outstanding academic leaders who lead by example. Their volunteer work includes activities with younger children under their guidance and volunteering with the St. Cloud Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol and Disney.
“A leader is someone who can be organized, assertive, delegate responsibility and hold others and themselves accountable.” K. Torres said. “I feel like I’ve grown to be a leader. I’ve been able to exercise my leadership, and St. Cloud Boys & Girls Club has taught me a lot.”
Each finalist was judged on communication, public speaking, leadership, and academic achievement, using essays, letters of recommendation, speeches, and an interview with the judges.
“The Boys & Girls Club teaches us everything we need to know,” Marcano said, “I learned a lot of life skills, it made me the young lady who I want to be for the future.”
“For me, being a leader is a way to take charge but it’s not all about you. You have to listen to what other people have to say.” Douglas, who’s been accepted to Valencia College, said.
“These individuals give us hope for a bright future. They were excellent. They care about their community, and they recognize that it takes the support of their parents and leaders,” said Club ambassador and finals judge Rayelynne Ketchum.
She was joined by judge’s former school board member Robert Bass, Ford Insurance’s Cindy Campbell, St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke and Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital President Brian Wetzel.
This year’s Youth of the Year program was sponsored by Orlando Health. President of Orlando Health, Brian Wetzel states: “Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital was thrilled to participate in this great event that recognizes the intellect, talent and potential of the wonderful young people who serve at, and are served by, the St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida.”
From the time of their opening to now, the club has enrolled about 100 students with an average attendance of around 40 every day. Lindsay stated that their first summer camp was completely full. “There’s a need here,” he said. “We love our community. They’ve embraced us…we all work towards one goal and that’s to serve the community in a positive way.”
The club works with students to ensure that their personal career and goals are understood and met by working with community partners to help foster and support their growth and development in anything that these children wish to do. The clubs after school programs focus on: education, tech, sports, arts, and leadership with specialty programs that focus on history, culture, and community.
“It doesn’t matter the size of the club; it matters the commitment. It’s not about us, it’s about making sure the kids have a positive experience,” Lindsay stated. “One of my phrases is, ‘Take that bookbag off, let’s get your homework done, and then let’s go have some fun.” The St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club (321-805-4014) is located at 1001 Virginia Avenue across from Cannery Park.
To learn more about Digital Academy of Florida, please visit https://daof.k12.com/.
