ATLANTA, March 6, 2007 – Brittny Cantero, a five-year member of the Boys & Girls Club of Wharton, has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of Texas by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). In addition to winning this prestigious title, Cantero will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation. Cantero is among hundreds of Youths of the Year across the country that join Boys & Girls Clubs of America in celebrating A Legacy of Hope & Opportunity during the 60th anniversary of the Youth of the Year program. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation. “The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation. “For 60 years, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens, like Brittny Cantero, for their dedication to their families, Club and community, and for helping them achieve their academic and career goals.” At 18 years old, Cantero has persevered tremendously. She currently works two jobs, one of which is a Junior Staffer at her Boys & Girls Club, where she actively supports staff and programs for the younger kids. Through hard work, determination and a great sense of balance, she earned exemplary grades in high school and the honor as valedictorian. In addition to working at her Club, Cantero is also very active in its programs. She is currently president of the newly formed Keystone Club, a teen leadership and character development group that emphasizes community service. She also tutors more than 30 Club members during Power Hour, an after-school homework help program. 2007 Texas Youth of the Year with Governor Rick Perry. Helping her community is close to Cantero’s heart. She has volunteered at local nursing homes, helped host two blood drives and collected toys, food and clothing for victims of Hurricane Katrina. She’s also been involved in Habitat for Humanity. Cantero attends Wharton High School, where besides being the upcoming valedictorian, she is also the Spanish Club president and senior class treasurer. She is very active with P.A.L.S (Peer Assistance Leadership Skills) and has earned numerous recognitions, including both the Award of Excellence and Distinguished Honor Roll for all four years of high school. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin in hopes of becoming a pediatrician.

 

“Brittny and all Youth of the Year nominees offer proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA. “We are thankful to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members reach their goals.”

 

This summer, Cantero will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Southwest Region. If named regional winner, she will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office. As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million towards BGCA, and 60 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year.