Ricardo Maldonado, the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County, competed against other youth throughout the state in the Youth of the Year competition, the premier youth recognition program of the Boys & Girls Club. Ricardo was recognized for his outstanding achievements including his service to the Club and community, his example to his peers, and his academic accomplishments. Ricardo has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club for three years. During that time he has been able to develop his creative interests, athletic skills, and tutoring abilities as he has participated in Club programming. He also has served as the Keystone Club President, a Junior Staff member, and now the Youth of the Year. Ricardo is a shining example to his family and peers. Last year he earned the Presidential Service Award logging 177 service hours with projects in conjunction with the club and outside of the club.

Sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation, the National Youth of the Year Program is designed to promote and recognize service to Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Competition begins with each Club selecting a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion then enters state competition. State winners receive a plaque and $1,000 scholarship then enter the regional competition. Each of the five regional winners receives a $10,000 scholarship and enters the national competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 scholarship, totaling $26,000 in scholarships, and is installed by the President of the United States.

"The Youth of the Year program is so important, because it recognizes outstanding youth in our community who have overcome incredible odds," said David Bayles, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Provo, UT. "They each have given countless hours of service, they are examples to other youth, and they have shown courage and leadership to stand for goodness. It is wonderful to recognize them for their efforts through the Youth of the Year program."

The mission of Boys and Girls Club of Utah County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens and leaders.  The Club provides a variety of supervised activities for greater than 2,000 youths (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within Utah County. The Boys and Girls Club of Utah County offers many proven and tested programs in five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Utah County relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals. Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission.  To contribute to the Club or to become a sponsor the Youth of the Year Program program contact David Bayles, Executive Director.