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HOLLAND Each year, a local organization recognizes high school members for accomplishments as students and community members.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland honors one local student for excellence in academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles. The group will announce its 2020 Youth of the Year during a ceremony from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Midtown Center, 96 W. 15th St. in Holland.

The nominees for the award are Conner McBride, Esli Mendoza, Fredy Rincon Perez, Ebony Roach, Julissa Salcedo and Janelly Vazquez. All six nominees are students at West Ottawa High School.

Youth of the Year is a national program by Boys & Girls Club. High school members of local chapters are nominated for achievements in the clubs core program areas. After nomination, students write essays, give speeches and are interviewed by community members and judges.

This year marks the 25th anniversary for Youth of the Year. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland will celebrate the anniversary and alumni during the Feb. 27 presentation.

During the ceremony, the nominees will read their speeches in front of friends, family and community members before the announcement of the Youth of the Year winner.

The local winner of Youth of the Year will compete for a statewide honor and has the potential to make regional and/or national competitions as well.

Last month, West Ottawa Public Schools posted short bios about each finalist on its Facebook page.

McBride is a junior at WOHS and is a member of the schools marching band. In the future, he would like to work as an accountant or a teacher.

Mendoza, a senior, participates in book club, art club, West Ottawa Renaissance, Raise Your Voice, Student Senate, National Art Honor Society, Pals, Links, Student Advisory Council and Path Finders.

Perez, a junior, participates in Spanish Club and baseball at WOHS. He is an aspiring architect.

Roach is also a junior at WOHS. She participates in National Honors Society, West Ottawa Renaissance, Chamber Orchestra and helping with school musicals.

Salcedo is the youngest nominee this year as a freshman. She has been a Boys & Girls Club member for six years and hopes to one day work in the criminal justice system.

Vasquez is a junior who would like to work in immigration reform in the future. Currently, she is involved with debate club, Links, and the Student Leadership Group at WOHS.

Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.

Originally posted here:
Youth of the Year to be named next month - HollandSentinel.com