Youth of The Year

Nayeli Cordero is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. At age 16, she has just been selected one of two from West Texas to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the State of Texas Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation. As the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso Nayeli Cordero is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

“We are proud of Nayeli's accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to the Club and to her community and this recognition is just the first of many to come as she fulfills her dreams.,” said Jose Arturo Jaime, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Club of El Paso.

Nayeli Cordero, born in San Diego CA., is a 16 year old junior at Mountain View High School, El Paso, Texas, who lives by her motto. Cordero is an excellent student; and demonstrates her love of school. She is at the top 20% of her graduating class and has received several academic awards. When asked about school, Cordero says: “I’ve always liked school. I can’t wait to graduate from high school, and then continue on to college - bringing me one step closer to my dreams of becoming a photographer.”

Ms. Cordero is on her way to becoming a “Leader” and an “Overachiever” despite a difficult childhood and continued responsibilities at home. Her skills and character have strengthened as she has become a responsible, trustworthy, accountable and answerable person as a result of tragic events in her short lived life.

Nayeli has dedicated a lot of hours to helping her community as well as bringing awareness to poverty which is a national problem, She help create a small documentary were she not only used her voice but narrated and used her own photography for this video. She was also part of United Way of El Paso County's Americas Promise Alliance - Dropout Prevention Summit by creating another video to help in the prevention of Latinos dropping out of high school.

Although it has been a very emotional ride, Nayeli has been able to overcome all those years of depression and tears. Through her character and leadership Nayeli is well known for her most popular quote and motto, " Don't be an under achiever be an over achiever"

The Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso would like to thank all of our Youth of The Year Candidates for their hard work and dedication.

Mayelly Ortiz Christian Rubio