Tylerite Named Youth Of The Year
(Staff Photo/ Herb Nygren Jr.)
YOUTH OF THE YEAR: The Boys & Girls Club of East Texas named Jessica Renteria as its Youth of the Year.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of East Texas has named Jessica Renteria its youth of the year.
Ms. Renteria, a junior at Chapel Hill High School, is involved in the student senate, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, science club, power lifting, cross country and band. She also manages to be in the top 10 percent of her class, according to the Boys & Girls Club.
She attends the Boys & Girls Club of East Texas while her mother, who came to the United States from Thailand at age 14, is at work. At home, she does chores; helps get her sister to and from school, while being involved in chores and school, according to her application. She is also a member of Trinity Fellowship Church in Tyler.
Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can earn. The title recognized outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and the club and their own personal challenges and obstacles, according to the Club.
"Her dedication to school and service to her church and our community is a great example for the youth of East Texas," Ron Vickery, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Texas said in a written statement.
Ms. Renteria also has goals.
"Jessica has always set high expectations for herself," according to the Boys & Girls Club of East Texas written application. "Making an 'a' on a homework assignment or test fulfills her everyday minimum desires for school.
"Jessica has always set high expectations for herself," according to the Boys & Girls Club of East Texas written application. "Making an 'a' on a homework assignment or test fulfills her everyday minimum desires for school.
"She never settles for mediocrity, nor does she want to. She knows that she wants to graduate in the top 10 percent of her class in 2008 and is currently ranked 12 in her class of 228."
In her essay for the honor, Ms. Renteria described the impact the organization has made on her life.
"The club has always given me a place to belong and has superior role models to admire and look up to. My teen years were and are still sometimes difficult to grow up in. The club has made those years fun and unforgettable," she wrote.
In another essay, she wrote about the importance of education.
"Education is the key to succeed in life," she wrote.
"I want to be successful in life not for money, not for power, or for recognition, but to help others just as they have helped me. I am extremely blessed to have had help and support from loving people in my life. My family coaches, the club and my teachers at school have been incredibly patient, helpful, and generous through my childhood and as I continue to mature and grow."
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