Meet Herian Perez, a National Honor Society member, the first person to receive the Barbara Sweeney Scholarship and the Club’s 2023 Youth of The Year! Herian is an exemplary senior at Central Catholic High School with aspirations of becoming a nurse and giving back to her community.
Joining the Club as a young child nine years ago, Herian was quieter and less social than her peers. However, taking a leap of faith and joining the BGCL River Sharks Swim Team helped her to blossom into the person she is today. With new friends and caring staff, she was motivated to explore other Club opportunities that would ultimately guide her on a path to success.
Participating in Bread Loaf – a program that teaches youth how to express themselves through writing and art – helped her to gain the confidence she needed to discover her true self. “Being at the Boys & Girls Club has provided me with a lifetime of support. Every staff member has been a significant part of my journey in life. They encouraged me to become someone great and ensured I had everything I needed. I gained so much confidence and dedication to the things I love,” she said.
Herian is confident that she will succeed and is grateful for the Club staff who nurtured the many positive values that helped Herian to realize her potential.