Caleb Wesco confirmed as Keynote Speaker for Youth of the Year

(MARTIN COUNTY) Feb. 28, 2022 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is beyond excited to announce a keynote speaker for the Youth of the Year award dinner and celebration, Caleb Wesco. The annual event will be held live on Thursday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Ross Hall. 623 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart.

Palm Beach County native and Boys & Girls Club Alumni Caleb Wesco is known for his most energetic, educational, and inspiring keynote engagements and presentations. Since becoming a dynamic motivational speaker more than ten years ago, he has traveled to 45 states and international destinations like London and Zimbabwe, sharing his motivational message with as many people, especially students, as he can. He has been featured five times in Teachers Matter Magazine and on local television as a speaker and philanthropist.

"I'm committed to inspiring people, motivating them, and helping them unlock the best version of themselves," says Wesco. "With that commitment, everything else will fall in line."

"Wesco's motto is Let's Get Motivated," says Jeronda Hill, BGCMC Area Director and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer. "Incredibly engaging and energetic, he encourages the audience to get the MOST out of life. And we are thrilled he can come and inspire our Youth of the Year, Class of 2022 and event attendees."

The annual Youth of the Year is one of BGCMC's signature programs recognizing members who exemplify the Boys & Girls Club's mission. A celebration of the extraordinary achievements of Club teens, those who earn the Youth of the Year title embody core club values of good character and citizenship, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

BGCMC Class of 2022 includes:

• Nereida A., representing the Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, Indiantown
• Javien E., representing the John & Marge Bolton Club, Port Salerno Club
• Fredd G., representing the Cole-Clark Club, Hobe Sound

Nereida, a junior at Southfork High School, has served as a Keystone Club advisor, Junior Staff, soccer aide, and community volunteer. Nereida credits the Club for believing in her and as a result, helping her blossom into a strong young woman and emerging leader. "My Club has taught me the importance of giving back," she says. "I lead my peers in keeping our neighborhood clean, helping with the soccer program, and helping with the arts program."

Javien has served as vice president of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), Torch Club member, and Honor Roll student. "The Club has helped me mature from being closed-off," he said. "It has allowed me to open up and grow as a person. I want to help younger members and my siblings because I am passionate about being involved in the Boys & Girls Club because I know it helped me grow up into the leader I am today."

Fredd is president of the Torch Club and SWAT, Team Captain, Culinary Assistant, and poet. He is an immigrant from Peru and understands the importance of perseverance while having an open mind and a kind heart. Fredd feels that great leaders influence others to be better and that his Club leaders always remind him to be a positive influence wherever he goes. "I am lucky to be a part of Boys & Girls Clubs," says Fredd. "I always look forward to coming to the Club, and they always make me feel better. The Club has given me the greatest council and support I would ever need."

Youth of the Year would not be possible without the community-minded and generous support of sponsors. Presenting & Blue Carpet Sponsor is The Arati Hammond Team at Keller Williams Real Estate. Thrive sponsors inlcude Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets Charities, Casco Tools, and Carol Webb.

Tickets for the program are $75 per person or $125 for two tickets and are available online at www.bgcmartin.org/YOY2022. Sponsor opportunities remain and may also be found online or by emailing marketing@bgcmartin.org.

About BGCMC

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs' programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class and remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-today basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, STEAM activities, and certified teachers work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in various trades.