Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year 2021-22

The Youth of the Year Award is Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson’s highest honor, rewarding youth leadership, community service, and academic success. At this annual event, we shine the spotlight on all our members who have taken advantage of the opportunities provided through our Clubs to fuel the drive within themselves to achieve Great Futures.

These exceptional teens have been selected as the winner at each of their high schools. The winner of our organization’s Youth of the Year event (stay tuned for an invitation!) will advance to the Los Angeles area event and may be selected to participate in the State of California, Pacific Region, and the National levels of competition.

National Youth of the Year winners have gone on to achieve success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business, and sports. Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. 

Meet our finalists, both are shining examples and living proof that Great Futures start here at Boys & Girls Clubs.

Marian H. has been a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carson for four years. She started as a member at Edwin Markham Middle School and now attends King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science in her sophomore year. Marian has a bright personality that instantly attracts everyone she comes in contact with. She enjoys participating in the Money Matters program, UPS Road Code, and College and Career Case Management.

Marian’s goal is to attend California State University San Diego after graduation to study biochemistry.  Her long-term goal is to become a dentist so that she can give back to the community that has given her so much.

“The only person that can change your future is yourself, no one will do it for you, and therefore it’s important to work hard in order to achieve your goals”

Joze Miguel D. is a Senior at Carson High School and winner of Site Level Youth of the Year 2022 for Carson High School, Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson. He is a consistent 4.0 GPA high school student in addition to participation in Dual Enrollment having finished Political Sciences to Psychology college courses with LA Harbor Community College. Joze wants to attend UCLA and major in Medicine or Law – ultimately he wants to go into a profession where he is able to help and give back to the community.

“Everyone has something to offer— to teach. With the people of Boys and Girls Club and the students who regularly attend it, you really learn a lot of things from school to the insights of life.” – Joze Miguel

Previous Youth of the Year winners

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Youth of the Year – Ashley 2019-2020

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Youth of the Year – Eden 2020-21

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In-kind donations save Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson thousands of dollars each year. 

Right now, BGCC has a high demand for the following in-kind donations:

  • Gently used books – all ages
  • Business attire – male and female for high school students
  • Art supplies – new pencils, crayons, paint and markers
  • New or used laptops for Club members 

Please contact Deisi Gonzalez, Manager of Development & Marketing for assistance in making an in-kind contribution at 310.522.0500 ext 210 or by email at [email protected]

Make a greater impact with your stock investments! 

Fill out the Wells Fargo Stock Transfer Application and fill in our information below: 

  1. Brokerage Account Number 4843-4988
  2. Brokerage registration : Boys and Girls Club of Carson
  3. Our code for ACAT transfers : 0141

Jeremiah Milbank was a remarkable person and lifelong volunteer who gave generously to Boys & Girls Clubs programs. It is through his legacy that Boys & Girls Clubs of America created The Jeremiah Milbank Society as a way to pay tribute to local Club donors on a national level.

The society was created to inspire and recognize higher level unrestricted giving from individuals within local Clubs. Each member of the society has given a minimum of $10,000 to their local Boys & Girls Clubs organization. Through their leadership and generosity, Jeremiah Milbank Society members have helped to assure that every young person who attends Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson is provided with hope and opportunity, through a safe place to learn and grow, and have adult mentors who positively impact their life.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson are honored to have Jeremiah Milbank Society members, who support the work that goes on at our Clubs. We thank them for their generosity and their unwavering dedication to the youth in our community.

The benefits for joining the Jeremiah Milbank Society includes recognition throughout Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson materials and national recognition within the Jeremiah Milbank Society catalogue.

For more information about the Jeremiah Milbank Society contact:
Nina Patel, VP of Development & Marketing
310-522-0500 ext. 205 • [email protected]

Diana’s commitment to lifting up the voices of the community began in Wilmington as the youngest community organizer and Honorary Mayor of Wilmington. Diana continued organizing with the California State Assembly where worked with leaders in various cities and neighborhoods to advocate for the advancement of education equity, immigration justice, supportive services, and reentry programs. She most recently served as the Neighborhood Revitalization manager with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles leading the implementation of an innovative framework to improve the quality of life of residents in the city of Long Beach through sustainable partnerships and creating a model for collaboration across neighborhoods. Her efforts were commended by the Long Beach Rescue Mission awarding her partner of the year for creating lasting connections across all sectors.
Nina's passion for the non-profit sector began in 2011 with the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. Over the course of five years, she led the Foundation's fundraising endeavors, initially focusing on district-level initiatives before stepping into the role of President. In 2015, she joined The Friendship Foundation as the Development Director and was promoted to Managing Director shortly thereafter. Nina joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Caron in August of 2022 bringing with her extensive experience in fundraising, event planning, and operational and strategic insight. She was honored with the National Newcomer Excellence Award in Resource Development in 2024 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her outstanding contributions in fundraising. Nina is active in the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club and has served as the International Chair, Vocational Chair, and Social Chair. Together with her husband, Nina has raised three boys in Manhattan Beach.
Don Abbe has 35 years of experience working in the private and nonprofit sector. He joined the Club in 2010 and ensures that every dollar is spent in the most efficient manner. Don works closely with auditors to make sure that our organization complies with all federal, state and local statutory requirements. He also ensures that all stakeholders get a complete and accurate assessment of the financial health of the organization. Don’s past nonprofit work experience includes working with the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles. He received a BS in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Washington. Don’s favorite Club program is Youth of the Year.