Meet the 2017 Youth of the Year Candidates

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP) is proud to announce its 2017 Youth of the Year candidates! Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program for Club teens, which promotes service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. 

Each year, all Clubs select outstanding teen to compete for the honor of BGCP’s overall Youth of the Year. Youth are vetted through a series of interviews with guest judges, written essays, and a 2-minute speech.

All Portland-Metro Youth of the Year candidates receive a $500 college scholarship. The youth selected to represent Portland-Metro Clubs receives a $1000 college scholarship, then goes on to compete for the title of Oregon Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, with potential to move on to compete regionally and nationally.

The finalist who will represent Boys & Girls Clubs at the state level will be announced at the  Youth of the Year competition and brunch Friday, February 3 at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club. The brunch is free and open to the public.

RSVP for the Event

Meet the Candidates

Alejandra Alvarado

Regence Club

Member for 12 Years
Senior at Grant High School

Intended Career: Spanish Teacher

Quote: “When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”

– Walt Disney

Mayra Estrada

Inukai Family Club

Member for 10 Years
Junior at Hillsboro High School

Intended Career: School Counselor or Elementary School Teacher

Quote: “When you make someone feel like they belong, they start to feel like giants.”

– Kevin Costner

Jonathan Contreras

Inukai Family Club

Club member for 10 years
Senior at Century High School

Intended Career: Engineering

Quote: “If you want your life to be more rewarding, you have to change the way you think.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Kaleha Keena

Regence Club

Member for 10 Years
Sophomore at Roosevelt High School

Intended Career: Lawyer

Quote: “My name definites who I am. Who am I? I am Kaleha Keenan. I’m classy, never trashy. I am a young African American woman and a fugure Spelman woman.”

Samantha Arroyo

Inukai Family Club

Member for 6 Years
Senior at Hillsboro High School

Intended career: Computer Science / Engineering

Quote: “Within everyone, there is strength, beauty, and growth.”