Betzabet (Betzy) Gascar Hernandez of Woodburn was among 6 individuals from across the state to be named as Oregon Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
B&GC of Marion and Polk Counties Director of Marketing Kari Roberts noted that the Youth of the Year title is “a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Kari said the Youth of the Year program is in its 77th year of honoring “awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures.”
Betsy, a Woodburn High School senior, has been part of the local B&GC branch since her sophomore year. She will receive a $2,500 college scholarship as part of the honor, and she will serve as a statewide ambassador for teens. She will also advance to a regional Youth of the Year event which ultimately leads to a national one.
According to Kari, Betsy participates in the “T3: Training Teens for Tomorrow” program, receiving workforce development training, and she participated in an internship at Woodburn’s City Hall along with support with college applications and future plans.
Betsy plans to attend the University of Oregon and study politics.
“Being at the Boys & Girls Club reassures me that continuing my studies is the right choice,” Betzy said.” They advocate for keeping good grades, being involved in the community, and networking.
“I have even landed a job thanks to them and have visited universities with students that were equally curious about pursuing postsecondary schooling,” she added. “If I had known that the Boys & Girls Club offered so much, I would have enrolled sooner.”
On Monday, April 22, Betzy stressed to the Woodburn City Council that her participation in B&GC activities opened her eyes to college options and what can be available to her as she pursues higher education, including campus visits.
"A lot of (B&GC mentors) have just gotten out of college, so they know what the experience is like," Betzy said. "I'm the oldest -- first-generation Latina -- so, I didn't know any of this (college understanding). But now thanks to them, I do."
B&GC-city partnership
Located in Settlemier Park near the aquatic center, the Woodburn Teen Center of the Boys & Girls Club is focused on strategic growth while deepening the impact on youth in the local community, according to sources from the city of Woodburn, which has partnered with the local B&GC branch since 2010.
“Our program service model focuses on utilizing a 360-degree approach, meeting essential needs, providing transformational opportunities, and impacting youth in three core areas: academic success; character and citizenship; and healthy lifestyles,” a city pamphlet proclaimed .
This recognition bestowed on Betzy demonstrates as much.
“Betzy’s determination, resilience and poise shine in everything she does,” Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties CEO Sue Bloom said. “Her journey and accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and commitment to a bright future.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America President and CEO Jim Clark agreed.
“We are incredibly proud of Betzy and all the Youth of the Year nominees,” Jim said. “Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. As the Oregon Youth of the Year, Betzy will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club kids and teens across the state who need more role models that they can admire and emulate.”
Program of esteemed tradition
Youth of the Year was founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program. Kari said its aim is to recognize outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and the club.
Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year, Toyota and Kohls, partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local clubs provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work.
Kari described Youth of the Year representatives as workforce leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
“This summer, Betzy will join other state Youth of the Year (ambassadors) in Beverly Hills, California to vie for the Pacific regional title,” Kari said. “If named the regional Youth of the Year, they will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship.”
Five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2024 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.
For information about the Youth of the Year program, visit bgca.org/yoy .
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