2005 Washington State Youth of the Year Winner
BRIAN BYERSDORF
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County – Redmond/Sammamish Branch

Age: 17
High School: Eastlake High School, Junior
College Choice: Western Washington University
Career Choice: Child Development/Peace Corps

Brian has been a member of the Redmond/Sammamish BGC for eight years. Through key staff relationships, Brian has grown from a shy kid to a funny, handsome and poised young man who has served as President of his Torch and Keystone Clubs. His recent remarks speak clearly about his Boys & Girls Club experiences. To quote Brian, “The Club was a place where I could go and leave my baggage at the door. The Boys & Girls Club is where I BECAME Brian Byersdorf.”

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MALIA ALEXANDER
Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs – Ground Zero Teen Center

Age: 18
High School: Hillside Student Community
College Choice: Currently enrolled at University of Washington
Career Choice: High School teacher

Already an incredible young woman, Malia used her appreciation for music at Ground Zero to propel her in her school studies, work, and community service to the highest level. What she learned at Ground Zero Teen Center taught her some of the tools necessary to achieve her goals. She finished high-school two years early as an honor roll student; started various service led community groups; mentored and cared for her younger siblings; started her own record label, Sardonic Sounds; and, began her collegiate studies at the University of Washington. She achieved all of this while working and leading the teens at the Ground Zero Teen Center of the Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs. Malia’s passion is to positively mentor teens, especially disadvantaged teens to over come any obstacle.

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DANIEL ANDERSON
Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County

Age: 15
High School: Rogers High School
College Choice: Gonzaga University
Career Choice: Professional Basketball Player

Daniel has been a BGC member for four years. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Daniel was raised in Portland than Spokane where he lives with his mom, dad, grandfather, 17 year old brother and 8 month old sister. At the Club Daniel has participated in Keystone Club, and Passport to Manhood. He plays on the teen varsity basketball team, as well as pool in the Teen Room, ping pong, and often plays against “Grandmaster Chess Player, “ Leigh Hernandez, Club program director, to sharpen his skills. Other interests include outdoor sports like football and street basketball. For Daniel the Club is a safe and positive place to hang out and make friends.

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ROBERT GUTHRIE
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound – North Mason Branch

Age: 18
High School: North Mason High School
College Choice: University of Washington
Career Choice: Pediatrician

Robert has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, North Mason Branch for the past three years and is a member of the counselor in training program. He is involved in the LINK crew and SAFE club at his high school and despite his physical disability, Robert recently joined the track team. He provides service to his community through volunteering as a peer educator for Planned Parenthood and his involvement in drug and alcohol prevention programs for youth.

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BARBARA LAMERE
Boys & Girls Club of Oak Harbor

Age: 17
High School: Oak Harbor High School, Junior
College Choice: New York University
Career Choice: Marketing

Barbara has been a Club member from its earliest beginnings in 2001 when the Club was a youth center called Partnership with Youth. As a member and volunteer at the Club, Barbara has participated in many different capacities, including the transition to a becoming a Boys & Girls Club of America. She is committed to encouraging youth of all ages and nationalities to become active community participants. She is on the Media Team of the BGC of Oak Harbor and holds the position of President. A leader at her school, she is currently junior class treasurer. She is part of the Drug-Free coalition of Oak Harbor and involved in DECA (Association of Marketing Students). She is a model youth who has three brothers, one sister and two very loving and supportive parents.

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KENDRA LEWIS
Boys & Girls Club – NW Region WA Navy Youth Programs, Jackson Park Youth & Teen Center

Age: 15
High School: Bremerton High School/Home School, 9th Grade
College Choice: Central Washington University
Career Choice: English Education and Psychology

Kendra is a Navy Brat who has moved all around the country. She has been a member of the Jackson Park Youth & Teen Program Boys & Girls Club for two and a half years. Kendra will be attending Central Washington University this fall. Kendra is not satisfied with simply attending and enjoying the benefits of the Club, but also seeks to help improve the Club’s programs by willingly giving input and helping to put together activities for the rest of the Club. The Club has given her a chance to give back to others – as well as being a great home away from home.

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HEATHER MARTIN
McChord AFB Youth Center

Age: 16
High School: Peace River Academy, Freshman
College Choice: State or Local College of wherever she’s living in 2008
Career Choice: Computer Designer, Programmer or Software Engineer

Growing up in an air force family, Heather, the oldest of four children, has moved eight times. At the Club she is a Computer Technology Lab Aide and Power Hour Tutor, as well as editor of the McChord Boys & Girls Club and Youth Center Newsletter. She assists in Club and Youth Service special events like the Torch Club Bake Sale which raised money for the Tsunami Relief. As an older Club member she enjoys being a mentor to other Club members. Heather is active in her church and is an eleven year member of the Girl Scouts.

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HEATHER MEYERS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County – Tumwater Branch

Age: 18
High School: Tumwater High School, Senior
College Choice: Brigham Young University, Idaho Campus
Career Choice: Social Work

Two years ago Heather walked through the doors of the Teen Center as a curious visitor. She saw the Club as a safe and comforting environment and decided to come back. Among the many activities Heather is involved in at the Club include a community work program for teens from low-income families, is active in Keystone and is a junior staff member. She has developed a recycling program and designed her own local education program called “World Wide Wednesday.” She is involved in church activities and has performed for and coached young actors at the Young At Heart Community Theatre. Her goal is to be highly involved in whatever community she lives in.

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CHELSEY NILL
Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County – Alderwood Unit

Age: 16
High School: Seattle Prep, Sophomore
College Choice: University of California, Santa Barbara
Career Choice: Police Officer

Chelsey has been a member of the Alderwood BGC for eight years. She joined the Club as a childcare participant and has grown-up in the sports programs. She has excelled in basketball starting for her varsity team and has volunteered as a basketball, soccer and volleyball official. Chelsey is admired by everyone as a role model. The Club has been important and influential to her because it has helped shape her into the person she is today.

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NICHOLAS PERIGO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County – Bellingham Unit

Age: 18
High School: Bellingham High School, Senior
College Choice: Western Washington University
Career Choice: High School Math teacher

Nick is thoroughly involved in Club programs. He’s a member of the junior staff, president of the Keystone Club and he’s been trained as a youth SMARTMoves mentor. Most recently Nick was selected by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to be on the steering committee for the 2005 National Keystone Conference. For Nick, the best part of the Club is…”coming there and being a positive role model in a child’s life. Their smile is priceless.”

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RYAN SPEER
Fairchild Youth Programs

Age: 16
High School: Medical Lake High School, Sophomore
College Choice: Penn State University
Career Choice: Lawyer

Ryan was born in North Carolina. He has traveled all over the world including Italy, Nebraska, Colorado and Washington. Once in Washington he became involved in Boys & Girls Club on Fairchild AFB where he has been a member for over two years. He is an active member of the Teen Center and Keystone Club. A Boy Scout, Ryan is currently working on his Eagle project. He enjoys many activities such as skiing, reading, hanging out with his friends and camping.

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REBEKAH TOLIVER
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula

Age: 17
High School: Sequim High School
College Choice: Western Washington University
Career Choice: Teacher

Rebekah was born in San Diego, California. She moved to Sequim when she was five years old. She has been a Club member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula since her sixth birthday. Currently a junior in high school, she also works a part-time job and is a seven year member of the elite choir. As a Club member she has participated in everything from Talking with TJ to SWOOSH Club. Rebekah believes that the Club has helped her build the skills that she needs to achieve her future goals. She wouldn’t take back her years at the Club because they have been some of the most wonderful ones in her life.

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CAMERON VEST
Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County – La Conner Unit

Age: 18
High School: La Conner High School, Senior
College Choice: Washington State University
Career Choice: Elementary Education

Cameron has been an exemplary employee of the La Conner BGS for more than two years and a member since its inception five years ago. He is committed to making the Club a positive place for the kids, staff, visitors and volunteers. He sets forth standards for others to follow, and sets exemplary example whether at the Club, in the community or at school. The Club means so much to Cameron in many ways. He feels his service to the Club does not compare to all that the Club has given to him. Cameron has made a lifelong commitment to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

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