Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Announces its Youth of the Year

John Muir High School Senior Kafshi Bennett has been selected as Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s Youth of the Year.

Bennett was selected after an extensive application process, including submission of multiple essays and delivery of a 3-minute speech to a panel of judges.

“The Club is really proud of the growth that we have witnessed in Kafshi throughout his years at the Club. He sets a strong example for younger Club kids of perseverance, compassion, and leadership. And that’s really what the Youth of the Year competition is all about,” said Lisa Cavelier, Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s CEO. “We are thrilled that Kafshi will advance to the county-wide Youth of the Year competition.”

The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership program and focuses on Club involvement, community service, and personal growth.

Bennett was selected based on his development as a leader and role model among younger Club members with his positivity and confidence, and his sportsmanship and determination as a member of the Club’s basketball team.

Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s Youth of the Year preparation and selection process is also an annual opportunity for BGCP Board members to become deeper involved in the Club’s youth programs. Bennett was supported throughout the essay-writing and interview process by Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Board member Christina Altmayer of Health Management Associates, Inc.

Additionally, BGCP Board member Jeff Scofield hosted the final Youth of the Year interview panel at his offices at RBC Wealth Management on South Lake Avenue in Pasadena.

Youth of the Year judges included Board Member Dave Blazek, Guild Mortgage; Jerell Hill, Ed.D., Pacific Oaks College; Morgan Chong Kim, Community Leader; Lola Osborne, City of Pasadena; Jeff Scofield, RBC Wealth Management; Simon Waters, Suitcase Entertainment, and Denise Matthews, philanthropist and Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena supporter;

Bennett will represent Pasadena at a county-wide Youth of the Year event on March 1 and 2, where he will compete against other Los Angeles County Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth of the Year finalists. The winner of the competition will then advance to statewide competition, with further regional and national competitions as finalists advance.