Annual Report BGCDC

Congratulations 2021 Youth Of The Year V ANESSA E LIZABETH B AHENA H ERNANDEZ

ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

S ince 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each Year, one exceptional young person from a Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nations young people. many internships and programs over her 4 years with the Clubs. She is currently participating in the Youth Vanessa has proudly participated in

Leadership Social Change program where she collaborates through social media. Vanessa is a Varsity Cheerleader at Madison East Hight School. As Captain, it is her role to be a leader and ensure that the team space consists of clear communication, determination, and team spirit. Vanessa is a first generation student who plans to attend UW Madison as a PEOPLE Scholar. She plans to major in Psychology, pursuing a career as a child therapist to support Latinix communities and other minority groups. for

As an English speaker, Native Spanish speaker, and someone who has taken 4 years of French, she plans to use her language skills to support a wider audience. Vanessa considers herself an environmental activist and spends time volunteering at Ice Age Trails. She engages in protests and walkouts around gun control, climate strikes, immigrant rights, women’s movements, and Black Lives Matter because standing up with groups seeking the same justice makes her feel powerful and proud of who they are.