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Five for the Future
 Southeast Region
Youth of the Year
Felicia Arriaga
Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County, N.C.
Felicia Arriaga’s successes mask the obstacles she has overcome in her young life. Having faced many difficult family situations, she has taken it upon herself to protect her younger brother and sisters. Felicia tackles the toughest challenges with great ambition, generosity and humility.
A member of the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County since she was in second grade, Felicia has held leadership roles for key programs, such as Torch and Keystone Clubs (teen leadership and character development groups that emphasize community service). She even led her Keystone Club to the gold level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their work with homeless people. In addition, Felicia has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Hands On Children’s Gallery and the Hendersonville High School Invisible Children Committee, which was created to inform the community about war and poverty in Uganda.
In high school, Felicia was ranked 10th in her class, with a GPA of 4.633, and was a member of the National Honor Society. In 2007, she was selected to attend North Carolina’s elite Governor’s School, where she studied social science. She played softball throughout high school and also ran cross-country her senior year. Felicia is currently attending Duke University and plans to become a lawyer.
 Midwest Region
Youth of the Year
Jamaal Phillips
Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club,
St. Louis, Mo.
Jamaal Phillips has been the main source of support in his household since 2006, when his mother was called into active duty for the U.S. Army. Although his father has been present, his abilities are limited due to four heart attacks and severe heart disease. Jamaal has been responsible for running the household, taking care of his younger sister and an ill parent while attending school. Through it all, he maintained a 4.15 GPA at Hazelwood East High School, participated in extracurricular school activities and worked at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club.
At the Club, Jamaal served as a sports and recreation program assistant and summer camp counselor. A 12-year member, he has participated in a variety of programs, including basketball and Keystone Club. One of his proudest moments as a Club member was helping to restore Clubs in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Weeks before traveling to Louisiana, Jamaal worked the phones to collect athletic equipment, board games and supplies to help clean and re-stock teen centers.
Currently a freshman at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Jamaal has his sights set on a career in industrial technology. He also hopes to play in the National Football League.
 Northeast Region
Youth of the Year
Naquasia Pinchback
Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, N.Y.
Naquasia Pinchback is a charming, unassuming young woman, whose quiet demeanor masks an energetic and generous spirit, as well as a strong dedication to community.
As a member of the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club at Lincoln House, Naquasia shares her love for learning through involvement in various programs. She created an innovative math tutoring system for students in grades one through six, and implemented an online program, Smart Tutor, to assist younger members with general studies. She also served as a Junior Staff member and mentor to many youth. To give back to her community, Naquasia participated alongside the town mayor in the Glen Cove Beautification Project and volunteered at soup kitchens. Trained in contemporary dance and ballet, Naquasia enjoys writing original poetry and song lyrics in her free time.
A graduate of Glen Cove High School, Naquasia consistently achieved academic excellence and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She was the co-editor of her high school newspaper, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in the Select Chorale and World Culture Club. The first female in her family to pursue a college degree, Naquasia currently attends St. John’s University, majoring in law and minoring in education.
 Pacific Region
Youth of the Year
Ashley Turner
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Ore.
While growing up in a neighborhood dominated by gangs and the constant threat of violence, Ashley Turner was determined to set a positive course for her life. Seeking a nurturing environment, she boarded a city bus one day and rode for an hour and a half, away from her neighborhood, until she saw the familiar Boys & Girls Club logo. She rode that same route – 90 minutes each way – nearly every day for the next six years, immersing herself in all that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area
had to offer.
Ashley quickly became involved in several Club programs, including Keystone Club and Junior Staff, which teaches career skills. She further developed her leadership skills through many hours leading, teaching and mentoring younger Club members.
In addition to her Club involvement,
Ashley is dedicated to giving back to her community. She has volunteered at the local food bank, in cleanup events and for Doembecher Children’s Hospital. She also takes time to talk with kids at the Club about the importance of giving back.
A graduate of Wilson High School, she currently attends Portland Community College, with plans for a career in youth development.
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