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Community Corner

Jose Casado Honored by State Rep. Frank A. Moran as Youth of the Year at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

State Rep. Frank A. Moran (D-Lawrence) visited the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence (BGCL) on Friday, July 11 to present Jose Casado with a citation honoring him as the 2014 BGCL Youth of the Year.

 

“I am pleased to present a citation to Jose for being named the 2014 Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Youth of the Year,” Moran said. “I am sure his great moral character, determination, and success in academics will help him to succeed in all of his future endeavors.”

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Jose, who joined BGCL when he was 8 years old, graduated this spring from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence and aims to become the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He plans to study criminal justice and business this fall at the University of New Hampshire, with the ultimate goal of becoming a federal law enforcement officer.

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Jose said he embraces school “as an opportunity to prepare me for the dreams I envisioned for myself.” He has been a leader in BGCL’s community service-oriented Torch Club and Keystone Club, a member of the basketball team, and a role model to younger Club kids. At Central Catholic, he participated in school retreats, the theater guild, and track, cross-country, and intramural basketball teams while taking honor courses and working part-time to help support his family and prepare for his future.

 

Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Club of America’s premiere recognition program for Club members 14 to 18 years old, promoting service, academic success, strong moral character, life goals, and public speaking ability. State winners of the program, which is sponsored by Tupperware Brands Corporation, receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions.

 

Jose said he is inspired to follow in the successful footsteps of his BGCL mentor, Curtis Nelson, as well as the Club kids who have gone before him and graduated from college. In his essay, “What the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Means to Me,” Jose wrote, “I have grown up at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. I have learned about life, school, sports, and myself in this special place that has become my second home.”

 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence provides a safe, after-school haven for more than 3,400 youth (ages 7 to 18) to come for hot meals, homework help, fitness and nutrition programs, college and career planning, and lasting personal relationships. The club offers critical programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and community involvement at two locations: the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence at 136 Water St., and the Beacon Boys & Girls Club at 71 Duckett Ave. For more information, visit www.lawrencebgc.com.
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