Janina Calle, a senior at Trenton High School West, was named the 2017 Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County. She earned a $1,500 scholarship and a chance to compete at the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey’s Youth of the Year program on June 6.
Calle was selected before a large group of club supporters at the club’s annual Youth of the Year Dinner on April 6 at Conant Hall on the ETS campus in Princeton.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive, according to a club press release. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and the Boys & Girls Club.
Three nominees participated in the 2017 Youth of the Year program, each guided by a mentor. The primary goals of the youth development program are building character and leadership skills. The mentors provide individual guidance and encouragement throughout the process.
The nominees for 2017 Youth of the Year were: Dy’Shanye Brown of Ewing High School, Isaiah Hill of Ewing High School and Janina Calle of Trenton High School West.
At the event, Calle reflected her experience as a member of the Boys & Girls Club and how it helped to build her confidence which gave her a voice in her community. She plans to go to college and aspires to become an Orthodontist.
