Chrisman Student Named State Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Club

William Chrisman sophomore Vanesa Rodriguez has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2016 Missouri Youth of the Year. Rodriguez was recognized for her leadership, service to others, academic excellence and dedication to lead, succeed and inspire. As the Missouri Youth of the Year, she will receive a $5,000 scholarship, compete for regional and national Youth of the Year honors and serve as the statewide ambassador to all Missouri teenagers.

“This is a very prestigious honor,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Being the Missouri Youth of the Year, Vanesa will serve as a spokesperson for our young people, sharing her inspiring story and leading the way to transform communities for the better.”

Rodriguez is very active at William Chrisman. She is a leader in several organizations and excels academically. Recently nominated to the National Academy of Future Physicians, Rodriguez wants to be the first person in her family to graduate from college and eventually pursue a medical career. “Vanesa is living proof Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling our mission of inspiring and enabling young people to achieve great futures,” Clark said.

For more than 100 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has provided a fun and safe environment for youth, ages 5-18, to learn, play, meet new friends and grow. Nationwide, more than 4,100 clubs serve nearly four million young people annually.