With pride and excitement, Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan formally announces the organization’s 2024 Youth of the Year, Damenik. D. Reyes. Youth of the Year has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program since 1947 celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members for their excellence in leadership, character and outstanding service to their club and community.
Damenik, age 18, has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan Main Unit for 4 years and names the club as her sanctuary. In the essay component of the competition, Damenik shared how becoming a member of the Boys & Girls Club and receiving empowering guidance from her club mentors transformed her mindset as she faced adversities through family struggles, bullying in the school setting and personal challenges of self-belonging. Through club programs and opportunities, she began building friendships, engaging in volunteer opportunities, developing leadership skills and ultimately finding her purpose.
“Through the transformative power of the Boys and Girls Club, I discovered my true calling: to become an educator dedicated to empowering and uplifting children with disabilities and special needs. The club instilled in me the belief that every individual deserves love, support, and the opportunity to thrive” wrote Damenik.
To celebrate her Youth of the Year achievement, Boys & girls Club of Pharr-San Juan hosted a celebratory luncheon at Las Margaritas in Pharr, TX with key individuals from Damenik’s community who have supported her journey towards this honorable title. Attendees included Damenik’s mother, her BGCPSJ club staff & Board of Directors, as well as her integral educational leaders from PSJA ISD and School Board officials. Damenik was awarded with the Youth of the Year plaque and received the corresponding BGCPSJ Youth of the Year Scholarship as she continues her college education.
Damenik shared her sentiments and gratitude for the support of her community at the luncheon. “With the support of my club staff and school district, I have found a community that has supported me and provided me guidance to fulfill my full potential as a productive, caring and responsible individual. As the 2024 Youth of the Year of Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan, I promise to the be the voice of our youth as well as a mentor to continue empowering and uplifting the children of our community to keep building great futures.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Pharr – San Juan’s staff and board congratulates Damenik D. Reyes on excelling through the levels of the local competition and being recognized as Youth of the Year 2024. The organization wishes her all the best as she represents Pharr – San Juan and proceeds to the state level of the competition in Austin, Texas!
