Sarah Ruiz presented an art piece to the Mayor at the City Council meeting where she was honored.
At the City Council Meeting on May 9, 2016 – Sarah Ruiz, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura’s 2016 Youth of the Year, was recognized by Mayor Nasarenko and the other council members for her outstanding achievements.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. As the 2016 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, 15-year old Sarah is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized for her leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.
Sarah consistently pushes herself to be better. She truly enjoys opportunities to give service to others and studies diligently for good grades and a better life. Sarah has received multiple accomplishments like the President’s Education Award for Academic Excellence and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for outstanding volunteer and community service work.
Sarah began attending the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura at the age of six, along with her brother and sister. Her parents were in and out of her life, which made things difficult, but her grandparents stepped up to take care of her and introduced her to the Boys & Girls Club. She often expresses her gratitude for this turning point in her life.
As a teen, she became a tutor for kids who needed help with homework, started helping out at the front counter by signing kids in and out, answering phones, and helping parents who needed assistance. Sarah became a member of Torch Club – a group for members in middle school, dedicated to leadership and community service.
In addition to being a member Sarah gives back to her Club by providing several hours of community service. Sarah reaches out to the younger members of the club to provide help with homework or guidance with any problems that they might be having.
Sarah plans on attending a four year University and is interested in pursuing a future career in forensic science.
“We are all very proud of Sarah’s accomplishments and recognize that she has the potential to not only build a great future for herself, but to also aid those in need along the way said Patti Birmingham, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura.
Mayor Nasarenko served as one of eight judges for the Club’s local Youth of the Year competition that was held in March of this year. He was able to witness first hand, what a poised and confident young lady Sarah has become.
Sarah went on to compete with other Boys & Girls Club youth at the Area Council level which included youth from Ventura, SantaBarbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties. She was selected as the BGC Coastal Area Youth of the Year, received a $2,500 scholarship and an opportunity for a full ride scholarship to Marquette University. She went on to compete against eight other youth for the title of BGC California Youth of the year in Sacramento. Sarah was the only Sophomore amongst eight high school Seniors in the competition.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit http://www.youthoftheyear.org.
To find out how you can get involved in creating Great Futures for the youth of our community, or to make a donation, visit the Club website at www.bgclubventura.org or call them at 641-5585.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura corporate office is located at 6020 Nicolle St., Ventura.
