Marissa M. Martinez Named New Mexico Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of America

 Marissa M. Martinez

Selected among nine outstanding youth, Marissa M. Martinez has been named the New Mexico Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. As the New Mexico Youth of the Year, she will receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. A true example of an extraordinary young leader, 17-year old Marissa will now vie for BGCA’s Southwest Region Youth of the Year title and an additional college scholarship.

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.

Two days after her 11^th birthday her mother died from an illness she struggled with throughout Marissa’s childhood.  She lost her best friend and true inspiration, someone she needed to teach her about life, about making the right choices, to think with her mind but feel with her heart, and how to become a successful and independent young woman. She has learned that it is not what happens to us, it is what we do about it that makes us who we are.    

Starting as a member at the Club and then as an unpaid volunteer she worked her way into a position as a Youth Leader for our younger members.  Also, she’s President of the Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service she has been the driving force for these members.   With her leadership and guidance they’ve gone above and beyond in their mission to serve our community with spearheading special projects such as assisting with serving Thanksgiving dinner for the less fortunate, sending care packages to our troops stationed in Afghanistan, raising money for earthquake victims along with funds for breast cancer awareness.  Their group adopted a roadway within their community in which they are responsible for cleanliness and beautification of the road.   

Marissa is presently a junior at Pojoaque Valley High School with a 3.3 GPA and is a member of the track and field team.  She is an avid runner and qualified for the New Mexico High School state tournament last season.  Additionally, she participates in the National Honor Society and Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA-helps student’s focus on promoting personal growth and leadership skills) where she holds the title as a State Officer with her local chapter. Her plans are to attend either Colorado State University or the University of Denver to obtain a degree in dentistry. 

Marissa and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people to Be GREAT,” said Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO, BGCA.  “We are most appreciative to Tupperware Brands for their long-time support of Boys & Girls Clubs and providing scholarships to help our members attain their goals.

 This summer, Marissa will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members within the Southwest Region. If named regional winner, she will be awarded an additional $10,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2011, 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 up to $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.