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Sarasota teen, Leonela Tase Sueiro, to compete for National Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year title September 25 in Washington, D.C. Contact Name: Sara Bealor Contact Email: sbealor@bgcsarasota.com Contact Phone Number: 941-366-3911 Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County alumna Leonela Tase Sueiro, 18, will compete for the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year title at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, September 25. Leonela is one of six finalists from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation competing for this prestigious honor. Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the premier recognition program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that fosters a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. The program celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Club members throughout the United States. Over the decades, these outstanding teens have exemplified the Boys & Girls Clubs mission and are proof to the impact the Clubs make in transforming lives. If Leonela is named National Youth of the Year, she will serve as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s official teen spokesperson for the next year, receive academic scholarships and have opportunities for life-changing experiences such as networking with celebrity alumni, securing internships with national partners, speaking at national conferences and meeting the country’s top leaders and elected officials “We’re beyond proud of Leonela,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “She represents everything our mission stands for, and is an amazing role model, leader and advocate for our younger Club members. Her story of resilience and success inspires everyone she meets.” Leonela, who graduated from Riverview High School in May 2019, is currently a freshman at The George Washington University and pursuing a degree in psychology. She moved from Cuba to the United States with her family when she was just 11 years old, and did not speak any English at the time. Leonela remembers feeling isolated, and says she struggled to be herself, connect with peers and adjust to a new culture during this challenging time in her life before she found the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “I was born and raised in Cuba, and the moment I was introduced to the world, I inherited a street block of friends, a second family. Eleven years later, my parents, my sister and I moved to Sarasota, which seemed to be like a whole new world,” said Leonela. “My first couple years here, I struggled to be myself, partly because I didn’t know a word of English, but mostly because I felt alone. I had no friends, and no way to make any new ones. Then, I found the Boys & Girls Clubs, and gained my sense of community back.” Leonela hopes to use her Youth of the Year platform to inspire children and teens to prioritize their physical and mental health, and take advantage of every opportunity the Boys & Girls Clubs has to offer. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County will be updating the organization’s Facebook page at facebook.com/BGCSC throughout the National Youth of the Year Celebration Dinner & Gala on September 25, starting at 6 p.m. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, visit bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911. ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has been a leading youth-serving organization in Sarasota County and its surrounding area since 1970, and provides enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, in Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911.