The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County awarded Fredd Galvez, a member of the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound, as Martin County’s Youth of the Year 2022 distinction. Selected among three outstanding youth representing three Martin County Clubs, Galvez, an immigrant from Peru, will represent Martin County at the state competition later in April.
“The Youth of the Year program perfectly illustrates the incredible impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs mission: inspiring and enabling young people,” said Youth of the Year judge Sue Kinane, the CEO of Kinane Commercial Printing and board member for Children’s Services Council of Martin County. “I am extremely proud of Fredd and know that he will represent his family, fellow Club members, and our organization extremely well in the future.”
Each finalist for the Youth of the Year distinction went through a comprehensive selection process. The students worked closely with club staff and mentors to complete applications, develop speeches, and prepare for interviews with a panel of judges. Since 1947, this signature Boys & Girls Clubs of America program has developed young minds and provided them with a platform to grow and share their own powerful stories and voices.
“Fredd is an exceptional young man who has added a lot to our Club, and over the years, we have seen him grow into a strong young man—a leader. He is one of those teens who has immersed himself in the club experience, taking on various leadership roles. He’s been a member for several years now and is a valuable part of our teen programming”, said Brooke Petersen, Cole-Clark Hobe Sound Club Director.
Held in Historic Downtown Stuart, just steps from the new Stuart Club, the event welcomed family members, proud club staff, and community leaders from across the Treasure Coast. Youth of the Year is an opportunity for the finalists to express what the Clubs means to them and their families by sharing their personal stories.
Galvez’s story caught the attention of businessman and architect Raul Ocampo from ADC Architects. “When Fredd spoke about his difficult journey to America, and what the clubs mean to him and his family, I was touched,” said Ocampo. “And then, when he shared that he wanted to pursue a degree in architecture, I had to step up and help this young man with his dream.”
Following the event, Ocampo reached out to Galvez and Keith Fletcher, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, to arrange mentoring and internship opportunities at his award-wining architecture firm this summer.
Galvez will share his story highlight his talents and achievements again as he prepares for the State Youth of the Year in April.
BGCMC Class of 2022, each one exceptional, included:
Nereida A., representing the Bill & Barbara Whitman Club in Indiantown, is a junior at Southfork High School, has served as a KeystoneClub advisor, JuniorStaff, soccer aide, and community volunteer. Nereida credits the Club for believing in her and as a result, helping her blossom into a strong young woman and emerging leader. “My Club has taught me the importance of giving back,” she says. “I lead my peers in keeping our neighborhood clean, helping with the soccer program, and helping with the arts program.”
Javien E., representing the John & Marge Bolton Club in Port Salerno, has served as vice president of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), Torch Club member, and Honor Roll student. “The Club has helped me mature from being closed-off,” he said. “It has allowed me to open up and grow as a person. I want to help younger members and my siblings. I am passionate about being involved in the Boys & Girls Club because I know it helped me grow up into the leader I am today.”
Galvez is president of the Torch Club and SWAT, Team Captain, Culinary Assistant, and poet. He is an immigrant from Peru and understands the importance of perseverance while having an open mind and a kind heart. Fredd feels that great leaders influence others to be better and that his Club leaders always remind him to be a positive influence wherever he goes. “I am lucky to be a part of Boys & Girls Clubs,” says Fredd. “I always look forward to coming to the Club, and they always make me feel better. The Club has given me the greatest council and support I would ever need.”
Facebook Comments