Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah is proud to announce our 2023 Youth of the Year and $1,000 Scholarship Recipient - Jade Rodriguez

What is Youth of the Year?

At a national level for 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens.

These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.

From a local level each year, one exceptional Club member is selected by the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah Board of Directors, CEO and staff to be the Youth of the Year and $1,000 scholarship recipient, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our community’s young people.  Over the years, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives.  National and local Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports.

Jade was awarded her Scholarship during our Crab Feast last month and we are very proud of the work she does here at the Club and her own scholastic success.   Jade originally joined BGCU as a volunteer before being hired as a program staff member in October 2022, and she now works with our kindergarten members.

For one of our National Programs Jade has decided to do a program involving sewing.  In her words "Many of the Club members have shown great interest in wanting to make things".  Some of her possible projects would be sewing stuffed animals, making clothes for dolls, or personal hand-sewn bags.

Jade has also stated "Being part of the Kindergarten program is significant to Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah since kindergartners are introduced to many fun activities and also get homework assistance."



First and foremost, I want to thank the Boys & Girls Club for choosing me to become the Youth of the Year. I was given the Youth of the Year award in recognition of my ability to be an advocate to youth at the Boys & Girls Club.  Earning this award has not only made my single mother proud but made me realize that helping the community is significant in many ways.  Helping the community assists society while at the same time improving individuals social and communication skills. 

I started volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club in search of gaining experience in working with youth and giving back to the community such as working in a program similar to where I spent a lot of my childhood.  I was constantly in after-school programs and seeked comfort and safety when being there.  My goal is to make Club members learn, feel safe, and overall enjoy themselves in activities at the Club.

With earning the scholarship, I am saving it to apply it for college and education expenses such as books and supplies.  I am most excited about being the first generation in my family to continue to pursue a higher education. I plan to motivate my siblings to continue their education as well.  Educationally, I continue to maintain a 4.06 GPA and thrive in my after-school activities like my job at the Boys & Girls Club.  Furthermore, I am grateful for the chance at being recognized in my community and being the Youth of the Year. 

Jade Rodriguez, Youth of the Year

Below is a cute video of Jade and fellow staff member Krystina with their Kindergarten Class.