Queen Creek Teen Wins Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley Youth of the Year

By Nonprofit Marketing ArizonaMarch 2, 2019

Selected among nine outstanding youth, Camille Hartman from Queen Creek has been named the Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley (BGCEV). The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 72^nd year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Camille will go on to contend for the Arizona Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“Camille and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the East Valley are inspiring and enabling young people to achieve great futures,” said Connie Perez, CEO, BGCEV. “Being named BGCEV Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor. As the East Valley Youth of the Year, Camille will serve as a spokesperson for our young people, sharing her inspiring story and leading the way to transform communities for the better.”

Ever since Camille was in the 2nd grade, she has considered the Club a second family and home. Over the years, the staff and members helped ease the hard transitions she went through by providing a safe place to make new friends while also having positive mentors and role models to help shape her into who she has become today. She always felt comfortable and a sense of belonging at the Club, which provided a stable environment for her to prosper and grow, but also offered financial aid to her family when they were in a time of need. Camille aspires to work in the medical field someday.

If Camille wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Southwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2019, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000. For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.

The other 8 BGCEV Youth of the Year nominees were outstanding candidates; Cristian Herrera, Estrella Lina, Allen Pratt, Morgan Slette, Serena St. John, Tyler Thompson, Elijah Thurman, and Sonya Torres. We thank the candidates for their commitment to BGCEV and the communities they represent.

Along with Youth of the Year, there were also a few other award recipients at the Giving Great Futures Dinner. Arnold ‘Arne’ Williams earned Volunteer of the Year for dedicating over two decades of his time and photography skills at all BGCEV events. The newest BGCEV Hall of Fame Inductee is a long-time board member and volunteer for over 40 years, Carol Royse. The Giving Great Futures Dinner had exceptional attendance with over 500 people ready to help the youth of the East Valley.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley

For over 55 years Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley (BGCEV) has served more than 35,000 youth and teens with educational, fun and healthy programs and opportunities at our 11 branches in Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, Mesa, Guadalupe, Gilbert, Laveen, Sacaton and the Mesa Arts Academy. BGCEV offers Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, STEM, Sports, Fitness and Recreation programs for youth and teens ages 5-18. The three priority outcomes are: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. To learn more about BGCEV, please visit our website at www.clubzona.org or call 480.820.3688.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,400 Clubs serve 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at on Facebook and Twitter.

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