Delray Beach Teen Wins County Youth of the Year Title
Kyra Dobard and Club Youth of the Year Winners to Be Honored at May Dinner
West Palm Beach, FL (April 15, 2015) – Selected among several local outstanding youth, Delray Beach Club member Kyra Dobard was named the County Youth of the Year winner for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. She will go on to compete regionally against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Florida Youth of the Year title and a college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. Dobard will be honored at the inaugural Youth of the Year Dinner Celebration on Thursday, May 28th at PGA National Resort & Spa.
As the 2015 County Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County (BGCPBC), 17 year old Kyra is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.
Other outstanding teen nominees considered for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County award included Club winners Alexia Lyles-Murray of the Max M. Fisher Club, Je’Cynthia Nonar of the Belle Glade Teen Center, Latecia Deveaux of the Florence De George Boys & Girls Club, Corey Howard of the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, and Cindy Amilcar of the Marjorie S. Fisher Club.
“Kyra not only provides inspiration to the other Club members, she inspires the entire staff, said Jaene Miranda, President and CEO of the BGCPBC. “Her positive attitude is infectious and she is constantly mentoring and encouraging her peers. Kyra is a perfect example of how the Boys & Girls Clubs help children excel and realize their full potential.”
An active member of the Naoma Donnelley Haggin Boys & Girls Club in Delray Beach for eleven years, Dobard credits the Club with teaching her real life skills, communication skills and a rigorous work ethic. She says the Club assisted her family many times when in need, and is a safe place where she can be herself. She currently serves as junior staff at the Club.
“The Boys & Girls Club is like my second home. The Club has made me a better individual and has always been there for me,” says Dobard.
Dobard attends Atlantic Community High School, where she maintains a 3.8 GPA and a 4.4 honors point average. She is a member of the National Honors Society and National Society of High School Scholars for the past four years. She completed all requirements with the Criminal Justice Academy and this month receives her Community Service Officer (CSO) diploma, making her eligible to work for the Delray Beach Police Department.
Dobard has big plans for her future. She was accepted to Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University to pursue her dream career in pharmacy. She begins class in the fall of 2015.
If Dobard wins at the Florida state competition, she will compete for the title of Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
Youth of the Year Celebration Dinner
Dobard and all Club Youth of the Year winners will be honored at the inaugural Youth of the Year Dinner Celebration held Thursday, May 28th at PGA National Resort & Spa at 6:30p.m. This brand new event, chaired by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, a vocal advocate of the Boys & Girls Club, is the first to really highlight and honor these outstanding youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
The public is invited to attend the dinner. Individual tickets begin at $100 and sponsorships are still available. More information is available HERE.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs
Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The thirteen Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 6,000 children ages 6-18. For more information, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or call 561-683-3287.
