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Sarasota teen, Leonela Tase Sueiro, recognized as a national finalist for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year 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, was recognized as one of six finalists by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the National Youth of the Year title on September 25, 2019, during a star-studded ceremony held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. She represented the southeast region of the country before an audience that included actress Taraji P. Henson, U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Boys & Girls Clubs alumni Misty Copeland and J.B. Smoove. 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 across the nation. 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. The Youth of the Year candidates participated in local, state and regional events. Six teens, including five regional winners and one national military youth winner, advanced to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year Gala & Celebration Dinner in anticipation for one of them to become the national teen spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Before the event, each finalist was interviewed by a panel of esteemed judges from corporations that support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America including Disney, Toyota and Papa John’s. In the end, the honor went to Sabrina C. McFarland from the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. “It has been so inspiring to watch Leonela embark on this journey,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “Leonela’s experience, perspective and message has inspired so many people across the nation to pursue their dreams and passions to create a better future. I speak for everyone in our organizations’ family – our staff, Board of Directors, Club members, parents, donors and volunteers – when I say how proud we all are of Leonela’s remarkable achievement. Her recognition on the national stage is a fitting tribute to the long line of amazing Youth of the Year from our organization.” 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 continued to say how the Boys & Girls Clubs staff, programs and opportunities helped her come out of her shell and step into leadership roles. She expressed how important it is for teens to participate in the leadership, service, entrepreneurial and workforce development opportunities, and take advantage of everything the Boys & Girls Clubs has to offer. “I can link every amazing connection I’ve created back to the Boys & Girls Clubs. The staff introduced me to a community of friends and professional networks, provided me with the tools to shape my own future, supported me on my journey and helped me become the person I want to be,” she said. “This has been the most beautiful journey. To look back at the scared little girl I was, and to realize where I am now. It makes me incredibly proud of my resilience, but also incredibly grateful for the many people who have stood by me throughout this journey.” Photos from the National Youth of the Year Gala & Celebration are live at facebook.com/BGCSC. 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.