Renique (Nicki) McNeil, Youth of the Year Winner, 14 and Up, plus Winner of the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year and recipient of a $2,500 scholarship. Courtesy photos.
AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2020.
Liam Hall, a resident of Thousand Oaks won the 13 and under category and Renique (Nicki) McNeil, also of Thousand Oaks was awarded the 14 and up category. In addition, McNeil advanced and won the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year.
Hall attends the Cal & Marje Johnston Boys & Girls Club located on the Colina Middle School Campus in Thousand Oaks. Hall was recognized for his strong academics, his leadership at the Club, his involvement in the community and for his willingness to participate in BGCGCV special events.
Liam Hall, Youth of the Year Winner, 13 and Under.
In his winning essay, Hall outlined what the BGCGCV means to him. “The Boys & Girls Clubs have clearly created a safe and welcoming environment for me,” stated Hall. “It’s always been a safe place for me to go after school and has helped me build qualities that I otherwise wouldn’t have,” he added.
A member of the Marion & John E. Anderson Boys & Girls Club located on the Cerritos Middle School Campus in Thousand Oaks, Nicki McNeil was recognized as Youth of the Year for her volunteer efforts at the Club, the role she plays with challenged youth and for serving as a vital staff member of the BGCGCV.
“Before the Boys & Girls Clubs, I wasn’t the best student,” stated McNeil. “I would get in trouble all the time and didn’t have many friends,” she continued. “I had no idea how much an impact the Club would have in my life and now my experience continues as a staff member, where the journey has come full circle,” added McNeil.
McNeil competed with other top teens for the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year. Competing Clubs included Camarillo, Oxnard/Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara Valley, Simi Valley, Mid Central Coast and Ventura. As the Coastal Youth of the Year winner, McNeil was awarded a $2,500 scholarship to use for college tuition and supplies. She will now go on to compete for the State title with opportunities to secure additional scholarships.
Now in its 73rd year, the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring youth and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year the premier leadership and recognition program for youth. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for the community, inspiring all kids to lead, to succeed and to inspire.
For more information, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley at www.bgcconejo.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are open before and after school, during lunch, on weekends, for summer camp, and all-day during school vacations. Tours of the Clubs are available upon request. The Boys & Girls Clubs also offer a variety of employment positions with excellent benefits and ongoing professional development. For more information about employment opportunities, supervised youth programs, to donate, volunteer, or register online, log onto www.bgcconejo.org or call 818-706-0905.