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Northeast YOY: Yamarie Negron
Yamarie Negron, a four-year member of the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester, N.Y., grew up in a single-parent home and
had to take on household responsibilities at an early age. Negron not only watched her
siblings while her mother worked the night shift at a local hospital, she also
contributed to the household bills while maintaining a strong academic record at Fox
Lane High School.
As a Club member, Negron held a variety of leadership positions, including president
of the Liberty Keystone Council and committee member for the annual toy drive. After
two years of extensive research and planning, she also organized a youth symposium
on domestic violence, which resulted in an award from the Colgate Foundation for
educational development.
Negron plans to pursue a degree in child psychology and use her bilingual skills to
change the outlook for many Hispanic families unable to find or afford mental health
assistance.
Southwest YOY: Luis Vasquez
After moving from Mexico to the United States at the age of 9, Luis Vasquez had to learn
English in a neighborhood infested with gangs, violence and drugs. Vasquez found his way
out of trouble through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County, Colo.
As a nine-year member of the Club, Vasquez was involved in both the Torch and Keystone
programs, participating in many community service projects, including graffiti clean up
and tutoring services. Active in community diversity issues, Vasquez also is a member of
the LULAC Club, a nationwide program that offers networking opportunities for Latino
students.
At Greeley Central High School, Vasquez was the only Hispanic player on the soccer
team until his senior year, when his influence helped recruit other Hispanic players.
Impressed by his leadership and desire to help the team, the coach offered Vasquez an
assistant coaching position. Vasquez currently attends the University of Northern
Colorado, where he is pursuing a bilingual teaching degree to help non-English speaking
immigrant families.
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