Holland Boys & Girls Club cultivates leaders
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland is a place for youth to get help on their homework, form friendships — and become leaders. The Holland club has been home to three recent Michigan Youths of the Year.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland is always two things whenever I visit — noisy and inspiring.
The Boys & Girls Club is so often buzzing with activity, and it’s such a joy to see. But all that activity requires the supervision of staff and the help of student leaders to focus it.
Every single nominee for the Holland Youth of the Year is a leader. They are advocates, motivators, and good listeners. When Jaquelin Romero was named the Holland Youth of the Year in 2022, she showed great fortitude and maturity as she talked about the deportation and subsequent death of her father. She didn’t want to hold on to the anger and resentment any more, and she shared that message with her fellow club members.
Many of the kids who are named Youth of the Year have undergone more hardship than any child ought to endure. But they do endure. And they thrive.
That’s why it’s always such an honor speaking with these inspiring teens and hearing their stories.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland has produced many leaders, but three have recently been named the State Youth of the Year and gone on to compete for the national title.
As I wrap up my time here at The Lakeshore, I am honored to have been able to bear witness to their stories.
2021 — Nayeli Mora
Nayeli Mora shows off her Youth of the Year award with Cynthia Martinez.
She even wrote a Shore Story for us about her experience.
2023 — Isabel Shepard
Boys and Girls Club staff celebrate with Isabel Shepard (center) after she was named Michigan Youth of the Year.
2024 — Jaquelin Barajas
Michigan Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Jaqulin Barajas participates in many local Boys and Girls Club events as well as other mentoring programs.
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