Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Recognizes Fredd Galvez as its Top Teen at Annual Event 

 

Fredd Galvez (middle) is Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County 2022 Youth of the Year

Amid all the typical fanfare befitting the most prestigious award ceremonies and shows, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County awarded Fredd Galvez as Martin County's Youth of the Year 2022. Selected from three outstanding Youth representing three Martin County Clubs, Galvez, an immigrant from Peru, will represent Martin County at the state competition later in April.

"The Youth of the Year program illustrates perfectly the incredible impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs mission: inspiring and enabling young people," says Youth of the Year Judge Sue Kinane, CEO Kinane Commercial Printing, and Children's Services Council of Martin County board member. "I am extremely proud of Fredd and know that he will represent his family, fellow Club members, and our organization extremely well in the future."

Each finalist goes through a comprehensive selection process where participants work closely with Club staff and mentors to complete applications, develop speeches, and prepare for interviews for a panel of judges. Since 1947 this signature Boys & Girls Clubs of America program has successfully developed young minds and provided them with a platform to grow and share their own powerful stories and voices.

"Fredd is an exceptional young man who has added a lot to our Club, and over the years, we have seen him mature and grow into a strong young man- a leader. He is one of those teens who has immersed himself in the club experience, taking on various leadership roles. He's been a member for several years now and is a valuable part of our teen programming", said Brooke Petersen, Cole-Clark Hobe Sound Club Director.

Held in Historic Downtown Stuart, just steps from the new Stuart Club, the event was very well attended by family members, proud Club staff, and community leaders from across the Treasure Coast. Youth of the Year is an opportunity for the finalists to express what the Clubs means to them and their families by sharing their personal stories.

Galvez's story caught the attention of businessman and architect Raul Ocampo from ADC Architects. "When Fredd spoke about his difficult journey to America, and what the Clubs mean to him and his family, I was touched. And then, when he shared that he wanted to pursue a degree in architecture, I had to step up and help this young man with his dream." Following the event, Ocampo reached out to Galvez and Keith Fletcher, BGCMC President, and CEO, to arrange mentoring and internship opportunities at his award-wining architecture firm this summer.

Galvez will have the opportunity to share his story highlight his talents and achievements again as he prepares for the State Youth of the Year in April.

The annual Youth of the Year is one of BGCMC's signature programs recognizing members who exemplify the Boys & GirlsClub's mission. A celebration of the extraordinary achievements of Club teens, those who earn the Youth of the Year title embody core club values of good character and citizenship, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

BGCMC Class of 2022, each one exceptional, included:

  • Nereida A., representing the Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, Indiantown
  • Javien E., representing the John & Marge Bolton Club, Port Salerno Club
  • Fredd G., representing the Cole-Clark Club, Hobe Sound

 

Nereida, a junior at Southfork High School, has served as a KeystoneClub advisor, JuniorStaff, soccer aide, and community volunteer. Nereida credits the Club for believing in her and as a result, helping her blossom into a strong young woman and emerging leader. "My Club has taught me the importance of giving back," she says. "I lead my peers in keeping our neighborhood clean, helping with the soccer program, and helping with the arts program."

Javien has served as vice president of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), Torch Club member, and Honor Roll student. "The Club has helped me mature from being closed-off," he said. "It has allowed me to open up and grow as a person. I want to help younger members and my siblings. I am passionate about being involved in the Boys & Girls Club because I know it helped me grow up into the leader I am today."

Fredd is president of the Torch Club and SWAT, Team Captain, Culinary Assistant, and poet. He is an immigrant from Peru and understands the importance of perseverance while having an open mind and a kind heart. Fredd feels that great leaders influence others to be better and that his Club leaders always remind him to be a positive influence wherever he goes. "I am lucky to be a part of Boys & Girls Clubs," says Fredd. "I always look forward to coming to the Club, and they always make me feel better. The Club has given me the greatest council and support I would ever need."

Youth of the Year would not be possible without the community-minded and generous support of sponsors. Presenting & Blue Carpet Sponsor is The Arati Hammond Team at Keller Williams Real Estate. Thrive sponsors include Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets Charities, Casco Tools, Carol Webb, and Kevin Madden from Group One Safety and Security.

The Children's Services Council of Martin County, the Hobe Sound Community Chest, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin County, and the Mariner Sands Foundation provide generous funding toward BGCMC post-secondary and teen programming.

Photos: 2022 Youth of the Year photo gallery link.

About BGCMC 

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs' programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class and remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, STEAM activities, and certified teachers work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in various trades.

 

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