The top three finalists, third place Loren Haskins, second place Adrianita Salas, and the Youth of the Year Edwin Padilla are presented with their scholarship check by Carlos & Sister Guerra “Steak” In Your Community Honorees and Beverly Land, Chief Volunteer Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Each Youth of the Year will receive $1,000.00, $500.00 and $250.00 respectively.
Pictured are the Youth of Year Judges and Candidates for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Candidates (seated) – Edwin Padilla, Janice Montemayor, Amsi de Leon, Estafana Salas, Adrianita Salas, Allyson Goytia, and Loren Haskins. Judges (Standing) Chris Brasher-Bar-B-Cutie/Rescue EMS & Board Member, Dr. Pablo Tagle – Chiropractic Wellness and Spa Center, Thelma Garcia- First National Bank & Board Member, Tina Solis- First National Bank & Board Member, Elias Longoria-Lone Star National Bank & Edinburg City Council Member, Sonny Hinojosa- Hidalgo County Drainage District #1, Ella de la Rosa- MVEC & Board member (moderator), Cris Fuentes- JcPenney-Edinburg, Eddie Villanueva – Hidalgo County Courthouse & Board Member, Frank Lara- CrossFit RocKKore & Board Member, Millie Smith- First National Bank & Board Member, Dennis Wade- Valley Town Crier, and Todd Miller – First National Bank & Board Member.
Edwin Padilla was selected Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at the Annual “Steak” In Your Community on January 14, 2012. Along with the title, Padilla will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, courtesy of the Annual Golf Classic chaired by Eden Guerra.
Padilla is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 61 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
Padilla has been involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for the past five years. He is currently a senior at Johnny G. Economedes High School and a current member of the Upward Bound Club.
The top three finalists were third place Loren Haskins, second place Adrianita Salas, and the Youth of the Year Edwin Padilla. Each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00, $500.00 and $250.00 respectively.
“I’m so excited that this year we had 7 outstanding recipients, that each had a very impactful presentation, that showed how much the club helps young people move closer to their future dreams and aspirations. I commend Edwin for so eloquently sharing his journey and I’m excited that he now, with the help of this scholarship will reach his educational destination,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.
Judges in the Youth of the Year Competition included Sonny Hinojosa- Hidalgo County Drainage District #1, Dennis Wade- Valley Town Crier, Todd Miller – First National Bank & Board Member, Chris Brasher-Bar-B-Cutie/Rescue EMS & Board Member, Millie Smith- First National Bank & Board Member, Elias Longoria-Lone Star National Bank & Edinburg Council Member, Tina Solis- First National Bank & Board Member, Thelma Garcia- First National Bank & Board Member, Eddie Villanueva – Hidalgo County Courthouse & Board Member , Cris Fuentes- JcPenney-Edinburg, Dr. Pablo Tagle – Chiropractic Wellness and Spa Center and Frank Lara- CrossFit RocKKore & Board Member.
The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 41 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people. During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.
