Boys & Girls Clubs Honors Three Members

Culinary team (Photo by: Patty D. Marchesi)

(Press Release) Hobe Sound, Fla., (April 22, 2024) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County proudly recognized three exceptional members in a prestigious Youth of the Year Ceremony held on February 29 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Stuart. Jomar Z., Jesshia S., and Mildred C. were selected from over 600 members spanning four clubs. These candidates exemplify remarkable leadership, dedication to service, and outstanding achievements within and beyond the club. They will represent Martin County in the state competition, with the potential to advance to the national stage.

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"As we honor these exceptional young individuals through our Youth of the Year Ceremony, we celebrate their remarkable leadership, dedication to service and outstanding achievements," said Keith Fletcher, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. "Jomar Z., Jesshia S., and Mildred C. exemplify the values we strive to instill in all our members, and we are proud to recognize them as Youth of the Year."

The event drew a crowd of enthusiastic supporters to celebrate these remarkable young individuals. Sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities, the evening featured a dinner from Michelina's Italian Restaurant in Stuart, complemented by desserts prepared by the BGCMC teens through the culinary and catering food truck Fork in the Road.

The Youth of the Year program, initiated by Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1947, has been a platform for recognizing future leaders across various fields. Michael Chambers, a former Boys & Girls Clubs alum and a previous Youth of the Year recipient, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the ceremony. Now an environmental and land-use professional, Chambers co-created the Family First in Education program.

Jomar Z., aged 18, has been a member of the John & Marge Bolton Club in Port Salerno for nine years. He aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon and maintains a strong academic record as a dual-enrolled honors student. Jomar's dedication to service is evident through his remarkable achievement of contributing 500 hours of community service. In addition, he holds leadership roles as the captain of the Martin County School District and BGCMC Peer Forward Team and actively participates in the Students Working Against Tobacco program. He shares, "I love making others feel welcomed, and being a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs gives me the opportunity to do so."

Jesshia S., 14, has been a member of the Bill & Barbara Whitman Club in Indiantown for seven years. Driven by her passion for community service and assisting fellow club members, her career aspiration is to become an infusion nurse. Jesshia has shown dedication to volunteering and actively engages in various community service activities. She emphasizes, "I have witnessed the transformative power of mentorship, education, and character development."

Mildred C., also aged 14, has been an active participant at the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound for five years. With aspirations of becoming a trauma nurse, Mildred has contributed 150 hours of community service and earned the prestigious Copper Key Scholarship for her exemplary leadership skills. She also serves as a sous chef in the club's acclaimed culinary program. Reflecting on her experiences, Mildred shares, "No matter how bad things can look, it's important to remember tomorrow is a new day."

For more information about the Youth of the Year Program and Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, visit bgcmartin.org or call (772) 545-1255.
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