Exceptional Las Vegas Teen Zion Mann Wins Youth of the Year Honor for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada
Selected among several local outstanding youth, Zion Mann will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Nevada Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).
The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls of Southern Nevada, 18-year old Zion is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by BGCA for his leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.
Five finalists & CEO Andy Bischel
“In a demonstration of tremendous moral character, Zion sacrificed a three sport athletic passion in his final year of high school to pursue a job at the Boys & Girls Club in support of his family’s financial well-being. Zion is deserving of his designation as Youth of the Year,” said Andy Bischel, President/CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada.
Zion has been a Boys & Girls Club member for eight years. From coaching soccer and basketball to providing homework help to the younger members during their afterschool “Power Hour”, Zion has always been a mentor and guide to the other children. As a member of LIT (Leaders in Training) and Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service, this young man strives to succeed. When not working at the Club as an employee, he spends his time volunteering at other nonprofit events and spending quality time with his younger siblings. MVP of his high school basketball team with a 3.2 GPA, Zion plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to study and become a chiropractor.
The Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported BGCA for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is committed to helping improve the quality of life in our communities, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring youth have access to a quality education. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix, a committed partner who has worked with BGCA on many Academic Success initiatives, and the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, BGCA’s premier partner for teen empowerment.
If Zion wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Pacific Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2015, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.bgca.org/yoy.