The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC) recently honored two outstanding young members at its annual Youth of the Year Legacy Gala. Shayra Castillo, a junior, was named Youth of the Year, while Christopher Roman, a seventh grader, received the first-ever Junior Youth of the Year award. Both were selected for their exemplary character, dedication to their Club’s programs, and commitment to supporting their peers.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth of the Year program is important to the community because it provides recognition, scholarship funds, and opportunities for young leaders to develop skills, have a voice, and share their message on a local, regional, and national platform,” said Zane Smith, BGCKC Executive Director. “Our program helps shape the future and quality of life for every youth involved.”

Shayra excels both at BGCKC and in school. At the Club, she has demonstrated strong leadership through the Workforce Readiness Program, completed internships at Beale Memorial Library and Dress for Success, and earned certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Food Handling. At South High School, she participates in ASB, Link Crew, and The Connection Project.

In her acceptance speech, Shayra reflected on overcoming personal challenges and finding hope and purpose through BGCKC. She now uses her voice to inspire others and advocate for peers struggling with depression.

Presented by the Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation, BGCKC also honored Kristin Monsibais, partner at Williams, Adams & Company, as a Legacy Board of Directors Inductee. During her tenure with BGCKC, she served in several leadership roles, including Treasurer, Vice President, and President. As President, she guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic with thoughtful leadership, ensuring stability, continuity, and ongoing support for the youth and families the Clubs serve.

The evening’s keynote speaker was NaTesha “T” Johnson, a respected community leader, educator, and advocate focused on expanding opportunity and empowering young people to lead with purpose. She is the owner of Upside Production Management, a woman-owned strategic partnership consulting firm founded in 2011 and serves as Founder and Executive Director of Upside Academy, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to youth development through volunteerism, civic engagement, and leadership training.

In her keynote address, Johnson emphasized that “community isn’t geography — it’s relationships.” Raised in Bakersfield by a single mother of four girls, Johnson said her mother instilled in her a deep commitment to service. She often reminded her daughters, “Never let a problem introduce itself without asking what opportunities it carries.”

Johnson stressed that communities grow not by accident, but through intention and trust. She encouraged attendees to adopt a stewardship mindset:  one that embraces ownership and a commitment to leaving the community better than they found it. Every role matters, she noted, and young people pay more attention to what we do than what we say. “Community doesn’t just need participants,” she said. “We need stewards, and it starts with you.”

In Kern County, BGCKC operates 75 locations, positively impacting thousands of children each year.

For more information, visit www.bgckc.org.