MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALL RECOGNIZES HOUSTON
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH AT THIS YEAR’S WORLD SERIES
Robert Ramos Recognized As National MLB S.T.A.R. Award Winner
Major League Baseball (MLB) and Boys &
Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) recently announced that Robert Ramos, a member
of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, has been named the 2008 National
MLB S.T.A.R. Award winner. The MLB S.T.A.R. Award program recognizes Club
members, ages 10 to 18, who lead by example and demonstrate the positive
behaviors of Sportsmanship, Team spirit, Achievement and Responsibility.
Whether on the baseball field, in the swimming pool, in the games room or in
the dance studio, these are the attributes that help Club members “Succeed
The MLB Way™!”
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Club member Robert Ramos
(center) was chosen as the 2008 National MLB S.T.A.R. Award
winner for the positive example he sets as an athlete. The
Houston teen performed more than 200 hours of community service
by assisting immigrants to become U.S. citizens. Ramos also
helps younger Club members with technology. The outstanding
youth is congratulated by BGCA Chairman Rick Goings (left) and
BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett (right) for being
recognized by Major League Baseball. |
Chosen from six regional finalists, Ramos
earned a trip to attend Game 3 of the World Series where he was recognized
during pre-game ceremonies and had an opportunity to meet Baseball
Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.
“Now in our second year, the MLB S.T.A.R.
Award program has established a strong response from youth across the
country, receiving over 975 nominations this year,” said Baseball
Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “Our relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs
of America continues to allow us to recognize more young people each year
for their accomplishments on and off the field and helps them establish a
strong foundation for a successful future.”
Ramos, a freshman at the University of
Houston with more than 200 hours of community service performed over the
last 12 months, has excelled both academically and athletically. Currently
volunteering to help immigrants become U.S. citizens, Ramos knows he has
greatly influenced the lives of hundreds of people, helping them achieve the
American dream. “I believe that diversity should be celebrated in my city
and it starts with me,” said Ramos. “Every time I do community service, I
know it makes a difference in at least one person’s life. It makes me feel
good to help others work toward a brighter future and this will be a part of
my lifelong mission.”
A true leader, Ramos also loves to assist
the Club’s younger members in the technology lab. He also played football in
high school and was captain of the dance team.
“The MLB S.T.A.R. Award program allows our
Clubs to have a positive, lasting impact on our kids as they strive daily to
build character, develop their talents and enrich their communities,” said
Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO of BGCA. “Robert is a true STAR and we
are very thankful to MLB for providing opportunities such as this to our
kids, and for their continuous support of our mission.”
About
The MLB S.T.A.R. Award Program
Now in its second year, The MLB S.T.A.R. Award program is the latest
addition to the more than decade-long relationship between Boys & Girls
Clubs of America and Major League Baseball. Through the MLB S.T.A.R. Award,
Club members are recognized for their ability to demonstrate the positive
behaviors of Sportsmanship, Team spirit, Achievement and Responsibility.
Each of the more than 1,300 Boys & Girls Club organizations (4,300 branches)
may select one outstanding young person who best embodies all of these
characteristics. Winners receive an MLB S.T.A.R. Award trophy and become
eligible for state, regional and national MLB S.T.A.R. Award competitions.
Six deserving young people, one from each of BGCA’s five regions and an
overseas military site representative, are selected as regional winners and
invited to attend the MLB All-Star Game® and All-Star Week as VIP guests.
From the six regional winners, one national winner is chosen to receive the
grand prize: an invitation to attend a MLB World Series® game and meet MLB
Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been changing
and saving young lives, providing hope and opportunity for kids who need
them most. Today, some 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.8 million young people
through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place
for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found all across the country and on U.S.
military bases throughout the world. Clubs provide young people 6-18 years
old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by
trained, professional staff. In communities large and small, Clubs
positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as
productive, caring citizens. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize
leadership development; education and career exploration; community service;
financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and
recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni,
57 percent said the Club saved their life. Boys & Girls Clubs of America has
been the Official Charity of Major League Baseball since 1997. National
headquarters are located in Atlanta.
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