Arya has made history as our first California State and Pacific Regional Youth of the Year! Starting with the highest local honor as Boys & Girls Clubs of Chico Youth of the Year in October 2023, she advanced through the North Valley, NorCal, and California State levels, ultimately winning the Pacific Regional title in May. Arya recently showcased her dedication and talent at the National Youth of the Year competition in September.
Although Arya didn’t win the national title, she will continue to shine as our local, state, and regional champion, serving as a BGCA ambassador through July 2025. Alongside Emylee, our Teen Director, she will join the National Youth of the Year Speakers Bureau to amplify youth voices and advocate on critical issues. Click to read about her National Youth of the Year Experience.
Arya’s achievements showcase the excellence of our Club staff, volunteers, and programs, which serve hundreds of thousands of kids each year with a focus on academics, health and wellness, and leadership development. Her journey demonstrates the power of empowering youth with opportunities and essential resources. Through this rigorous selection processes, including speeches and interviews with judges, young leaders like Arya gain invaluable skills and the confidence to overcome any challenge. Their journey offers unmatched networking and growth opportunities, shaping them into exemplary advocates and role models for America’s youth.
We are incredibly proud of Arya and all she has achieved. With the unwavering support of our team, she has overcome significant challenges and thrived as a leader. This summer, Arya had the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for Chico’s 4th of July Parade and attending the Keystone Leadership Conference in Atlanta. She is now working at the Chico Ostrander ClubHouse as a Recreation Aide and co-facilitating the SMART Girls program.
Arya remains deeply committed to inspiring and advocating for youth across the region. She is regularly invited to speak at events, including engagements at the Capitol for NAMI, community gatherings, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Board of Governors meetings. In an exciting new update, Arya has been invited to the White House to meet the President, get a behind the scenes tour and spend three days in Washington, D.C., from December 19–21.
Arya’s Words:
“The Boys and Girls Club is not just an after school program, it’s a community where youth are given tools to find their voices and are given a platform to speak up about topics they are passionate about.”
Join us in helping Arya soar further by contributing or spreading the word. Together, we can help her achieve her dreams and inspire countless others.
