Soraya Rose Honored Again as Youth of the Year
For the second year in a row, Soraya Rose has earned the prestigious title of Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac — an extraordinary achievement that reflects her remarkable growth, leadership, and impact both within the Club and throughout the community.
Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Club’s premier leadership recognition program, celebrating young people who demonstrate outstanding character, service, academic success, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. More than just an award, Youth of the Year empowers teens to develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s world. Candidates participate in a competitive application and interview process where they share their personal stories, accomplishments, and vision for the future. As the Club’s highest honor, Youth of the Year is reserved for individuals who truly exemplify what it means to lead by example and serve as ambassadors for the organization throughout the year.
Soraya, a sophomore at Fond du Lac STEM Academy, has become an inspiring presence within the Club’s Teen Center since joining in 7th grade. Her compassion, determination, and ability to make others feel welcomed have made a lasting impression on both peers and staff. When reflecting on her experience at the Club, Soraya shared, “What the Boys & Girls Club means to me is a safe space where students can feel like they belong and have trust between other individuals and staff members.” Teen Center Site Coordinator Lexi Ernst also praised Soraya’s impact, stating, “Soraya goes above and beyond each day. Whether that is creating a sense of community and belonging within our Club, or getting her work done in Project Learn. She continues to be a role model for younger Club members. Many look up to her as the leader she has continuously shown us she is.”
Like many teens, Soraya has faced challenges while discovering who she is and finding her voice. In her Youth of the Year essay, she reflected on the personal growth she experienced through the Club, writing, “A challenge I had to overcome at the Club was learning how to stand up for myself and others. When I was younger, it was hard for me to stand my ground and advocate for myself. Through the Club, I have learned what is right and wrong, and how to focus on myself. I have been able to mature and become a leader to stand up for what is right, for myself and others.” Her story is a powerful example of how the Club helps young people build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond its walls.
Soraya also shared how she strives to embody the Club’s values each day, saying, “How I live by the ‘Belonging’ value is I make sure everyone feels like they belong and the Boys & Girls Club staff make me feel like I belong. I have shown growth through my maturity and I have shown responsibility by making sure I get my homework done and clean up after myself/everyone else. I show respect by respecting those around me and being kind to everyone.” Her commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment has made her a trusted leader among her peers and a positive influence on younger members.
After representing the Club as Youth of the Year last year, Soraya has continued to grow into an even stronger leader, earning the opportunity to compete at the state level once again. Judges were impressed not only by her interview and accomplishments, but by the growth and confidence she has shown over the past year. One of Soraya’s most impactful achievements has been helping create the “Equality Advocates Club” at her school — a safe and supportive space where students can openly discuss bullying and share their experiences. Through this work, Soraya is helping foster belonging and inclusion not only within the Boys & Girls Club, but throughout her school community as well.
We are incredibly proud of Soraya and her continued leadership within the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac. Stories like hers are made possible through the support of our community and the opportunities provided within our Clubs. If you’d like to help empower more youth like Soraya to learn, grow, and lead, consider making a donation, becoming a volunteer, or learning more about Club membership today.