Texas Border Business
Daniela Rivera was selected as Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at the Annual “Steak” In Your Community event on January 12, 2019. Along with the title, Rivera will also receive a $2,000 scholarship, courtesy of the Tom & Jody Aderhold Endowed Youth of the Year Scholarship Program and the Ella de la Rosa Endowed Female Leadership Memorial Scholarship.
Rivera is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
Rivera has been involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for nine (9) years. She is currently a sophomore at Idea College Prep Edinburg Campus, a member of Keystone Club, National Honor Society and UIL and is an active community volunteer serving 442 hours as a Boys & Girl Club Jr. Staff member.
The top three finalists were 2nd runner up Sarafaye De La Garza, 3rd runner up Katrina Medrano, and the Youth of the Year Daniela Rivera. Each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,000, $2,000 and $250.00 respectively. Sarafaye De La Garza also received the inaugural Sabrina Walker Hernandez Salute to Excellence Scholarship. This is the first time the scholarship has been awarded in honor of long term CEO, Sabrina Walker Hernandez, and her continued dedication and commitment to the Club. Other contenders were Yareli Tejeda, Alex Torres, Jennifer Pena, and Lizbet Zuniga.
“I’m so excited that this year we had 7 outstanding recipients, that each had a very impactful presentation, that demonstrated how much the Club helps young people move closer to their future dreams and aspirations. I commend Daniela for so passionately sharing her journey and I’m excited that, with the help of this scholarship she will reach her educational destination,” said Adriana Rendon, Vice President of Operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Rivera will move on to compete at the state level in March.
Judges in the Youth of the Year Competition included Byron Jay Lewis, Edwards Abstract & Title Co., Elias Longoria – Texas Regional Bank, Hector Guerra, Joe E. Chance – Retired, Judge Toribio “Terry” Palacios.
Since 1969, Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community, providing daily programs and services to over 18,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. On all ECISD holidays and teachers work days the Legacy Center is open 7:30 am – 5:30 p.m. The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize academic success, healthy lifestyles and character.
If you would like to learn more about our scheduled activities or additional ways you can get involved call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com <https://www.edinburgkids.com/>. You can also stay connected and follow us on all our social media channels by searching edinburgkids.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.
