Texas Border Business
PHARR-SAN JUAN, Texas – Boys & Girls Club of Pharr-San Juan officially announced and celebrated the 2021 Youth of the Year winner, Ricardo Huerta. On Friday March 11, 2022 at the Main Unit Club Site. Ricky was surprised with a celebration of this achievement and the corresponding $1,000 scholarship that joins the Youth of the Year title. His family, friends, club mentors, organizational staff, and peers welcomed him at the Main Unit gym with cheer and pride knowing no one was more deserving of the moment than Ricky.
Ricky’s mom enrolled him as a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan Main Unit at a young age and he has been attending now for 9 years. From the age of 2, Ricky has been on the journey of an autism diagnosis and has dealt with moments of feeling judged and misunderstood by others. Once enrolled at the Club, Ricky found what he calls “his home away from home”. He was encouraged by understanding mentors, accepted by new valuable friendships, and enjoyed the variety of daily program activities. Whether it was in the arts & crafts room, the gameroom, or the gym, Ricky was present engaging with other club members his age. He has and continues to defy any odds or challenges as he thrives as a positive teen making an inspiring impact on the organization.
Ricky shared his mission in his YOY speech:
“Being the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan’s Youth of the Year, I Ricky Huerta, pledge to be an advocate for youth with special needs. I am taking this challenge head-on and with the support of my Club, this challenge shall become my accomplishment.”
Youth of the Year is a nationwide competition that has been Boys & Girls Clubs America’s premier recognition program since 1947. Every year, one exceptional member from a Boys & Girls Club takes on the winning role of National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.
The Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan Staff and Board of Directors congratulate Ricky on excelling throughout the various levels of the local competition and are proud to recognize him as the BGCPSJ 2021 Youth of the Year! He will now compete on the state level, and join other Youth of the Years around Texas, at the State Capital in Austin, TX. As Ricky continues his journey into the Youth of the Year competition, more scholarship money awaits him, provided by generous program sponsors. Join us in wishing him all the best as he moves forward to the state competition!
To register a youth or teen at Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan for the current Spring 2022 Afterschool Program contact any of the four club sites – Main Unit (956.781.5437), South Pharr Unit (956.787.6869), San Juan Unit (956.784.3504) and Valley View Unit (956.223.1779). For more information on how to support the organization through monetary, in kind services, goods, or the like contact Chief Executive Officer, Alfredo Mata, Jr. 956.781.KIDS or visit pharrkids.org. The Boys and Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan is a proud United Way of South Texas Agency.
Website: pharrkids.org
Facebook: @TheBoysandGirlsClubofPharr
