Benson Polytechnic High School Senior to Represent Portland Metro BGC at State-Wide Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2018
Regence Club teen member and Benson Polytechnic High School student Teya Shearer was named the 2019 Portland Metro Youth of the Year last Thursday, December 13, which will make this her second year holding the prestigious city title. Along with the title, Teya will receive a $1000 scholarship to help her achieve academic success. Teya will move on to the statewide Youth of the Year selection process this March in Salem, Oregon.
Judges heard speeches and conducted one-on-one interviews with each of the six candidates before ultimately deciding on Shearer for the coveted award. They announced their decision after each candidate gave their moving speeches to a packed crowd at the Youth of the Year Luncheon, which was held at our Blazers Club this year.
An advocate for social justice, Teya demonstrates strong leadership qualities in her work ethic and overall demeanor. She volunteers with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Rosa Parks Elementary School, Charles Jordan Community Center, her Club, and she is also a member of the Women’s Empowerment Club at her high school. She will graduate from Benson Polytechnic High School this May. Teya plans to pursue career in the healthcare field, starting with a medical degree from Occidental College in order to become a doctor or nurse.
During the Youth of the Year celebration last week, Teya edged out five other outstanding local members for the title, including Bryan Alvarado (Inukai Family Club), LeShawn Willingham (Wattles Club), Johnathan Slade (Rockwood Club), Emily Valencia (Inukai Club), and Alexa Ramirez (Wattles Club). Each of these exceptional youth demonstrate our Clubs’ core values and will each be recognized as title finalists, receiving $500 scholarships to help towards their own academic success post-graduation. During her acceptance of the 2019 award, Teya thanked her fellow participants, saying, “Thank you to all my friends, these are actually all my friends, and they all volunteer too.”
ABOUT YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) premier recognition program for Club members, which promotes service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Celebrations are held at the local, statewide, regional, and nationwide level, with scholarships available at every level. The nationally chosen Youth of the Year acts as a role model and advocate representing BGCA throughout the next year.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF PORTLAND METRO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro empowers more than 4,000 youth each year to discover their full potential through impactful after-school and summer programs. Clubs are designed to support kids and teens as they develop the qualities they need to achieve academic success, become responsible leaders, and live healthy lives. Today, the Clubs operate ten facilities located throughout the metropolitan area, including school-based programs in the Reynolds and North Clackamas School Districts.
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