CALIFORNIA STATE NAMES SALESIAN YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Mr. Juan Guerra, Executive of Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles announces that Madeline Salazar, member of the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles, was named “California State Youth of the Year” for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The State Youth of the Year competition was held in Sacramento, CA on March 11 & 12. Six other finalists were present from Los Angeles and Northern California at the competition.

If Madeline advances one more level, she and the four other regional winners will be hosted in the Oval Office by President Barack Obama.

Madeline Salazar is a 17 year old senior at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights, California. She has an impressive 4.55 G.P.A.; this academic achievement has earned her valedictorian of her 2009 Class. She is also member of MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Association); and a member of the Cross Country team. Madeline joined the club over three years ago through her participation with Salesian SHOUT Program at Roosevelt High School. She is currently an advisor of the Keystone Club and coordinator of Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) Lake Tahoe Journey, L.I.T. community service projects and will be participating in our youth delegation to Africa this summer. She assisted in coordinating a 24 team basketball tournament, where she and fellow clubs members raised funds to attend the National Keystone conference in Atlanta, GA. She also mentors and tutors younger members at the club. Madeline has been accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Congratulations to Madeline Salazar! This is the highest honor awarded to one of our Salesian youth of the year. We will be sending out a press release in the next few days informing the community of this great accomplishment.