Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad Youth Of The Year

Dawn and Keith Blackburn, Gerald Ball and Club CEO Brad Holland.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad have named their Youth of the Year and Finalists and the winner is Gerald Bell.

Currently a junior at Carlsbad High School, Gerald became a member at the Village Branch six years ago. He immediately became involved in all the activities that were offered. He lives the adage “good citizenship is doing good when nobody is looking,” and he’s very involved with Keystone Club, a service/leadership program. With over 350 community service hours in the last year, Gerald is all about helping others. “I hope to become a psychiatrist and help people with mental disabilities,” says Gerald. “The Boys & Girls Club is an important part of my life, and will always be that way. It’s a place for fun, adventures, happiness, security, and like a second family.”

Bell and the three other finalists, Keli Moriarty-Alkire, Marina Rodriguez, and Mara Waynick, were honored at a “super star dinner” held February 1, 2012 at the Carlsbad Village branch. Bell was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. For more of the official details, follow the jump.Gerald Ball Named 2011 Youth of the Year

(Carlsbad, CA – February 7, 2012) Everyone knows Gerald Ball, Keli Moriarty-Alkire, Marina Rodriguez, and Mara Waynick are winners. Now it’s official! The four young people were selected as Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s Youth of the Year and Finalists respectively.

The Youth of the Year program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome, and outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community. As Overall Youth of the Year, Gerald was awarded a $1000 educational scholarship. First runner up Keli and finalists Marina and Mara also received scholarships, courtesy of the Blackburn Foundation and Ted Vallas.

Currently a junior at Carlsbad High School, Gerald became a member at the Village Branch six years ago. He immediately became involved in all the activities that were offered. He lives the adage “good citizenship is doing good when nobody is looking,” and he’s very involved with Keystone Club, a service/leadership program. With over 350 community service hours in the last year, Gerald is all about helping others. “I hope to become a psychiatrist and help people with mental disabilities,” says Gerald. “The Boys & Girls Club is an important part of my life, and will always be that way. It’s a place for fun, adventures, happiness, security, and like a second family.”

Recognition was given to all four members at Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s Super Star Dinner, held February 1 at their Village Branch.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad has played an integral role in the Carlsbad community since 1952, providing programs and services to thousands of young people. Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad invites you to tour their Clubhouse, and see how lives are changed on a daily basis. For more information, call (760) 729-0207, email info@bgccarlsbad.org, or visit www.bgccarlsbad.org.