Boys & Girls Club of Garfield Announces 2013 Youth of the Year

Jasmine Cubuk to Now Vie for State Title and Scholarship

             Selected among several local outstanding youth, Jasmine Cubuk will compete against 22 other Boys & Girls Club members for the New Jersey Youth of the Year title and a college scholarship. As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield, 18-year old Jasmine is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, academic achievements, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

            Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start here at the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield.

“Jasmine is an outstanding young lady who is excelling in school, is part of multiple teen leadership programs and is an amazing representative of the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield” said Paul Casey, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Garfield.

Jasmine has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield for 3 years.  She does not hesitate to serve the community by volunteering with several organizations throughout Garfield. Jasmine makes a commendable effort in lending a hand to friends and relatives in need. She is a stellar student who takes the time to enjoy her education and is proud to be a part of the National Honor Society. Jasmine currently has a 4.0 GPA. Jasmine aspires to attend Richard Stockton College of New Jersey where she plans to study biochemistry.  At the Club Jasmine is an active member of the Keystone Club a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service.  Jasmine stated “becoming a member of the Boys & Girls club of Garfield is the best decision I have ever made.”

If Jasmine wins at the state competition on June 4^th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ she will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and additional scholarships.   Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2013, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.   For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield and/or the Youth of the Year program please call 973-478-7662. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Garfield also kicked off its 2013 Great Futures Start Here Annual Campaign. The Club announced it has already raised $22,000 of their $75,000 goal. This year’s campaign is being co-chaired by Anthony Tom Barckett and Todd Williams. Barckett is a current Board of Education member in Garfield and also is the Director of the Englewood on the Palisades Charter School in Englewood, NJ. Todd Williams is a current teacher in Garfield and a Club Alumni who was Boys of the Year in 1983. If you are interested in making a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Garfield’s Annual Campaign please call 973-478-7662 x12.