Congratulations to our 2021 New Mexico “Youth of the Year”!

Mathew Chavez, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/Del Norte, was named the 2021 New Mexico State Youth of the Year on April 10, 2021. Mathew is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Mathew competed against two other Boys & Girls Club teens from Las Cruces and Central New Mexico, and was awarded $3,500 in college scholarship money. The event was hosted virtually by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chavez and Lincoln Counties. Mathew will now go on to represent New Mexico at the Southwest regional competition which will also be held virtually in June. He and representatives from 7 other states will compete for a $40,000 scholarship and a chance to move forward to the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives a $100,000 scholarship and the opportunity to meet and be recognized by the President of the United States.

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles he or she has overcome.

Mathew embodies what it means to be “Youth of the Year”. He is a young man who cares deeply about his community as well as his education, health, and leadership. He is a Senior and straight “A” student at Tierra Encantada Charter School in Santa Fe. He is currently involved in coordinating Teen Nights and events at the Club. Mathew also takes part in community service events in the City including neighborhood clean ups and gardening projects. He also serves as a tutor to younger Club members. Mathew plans to attend the University of New Mexico in the fall.