Everyone knows Prashant Bhat, Gerald Ball, and Jason Salinas are winners. Now it's official; the three young men were selected as Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad's Youth of the Year and finalists, respectively.
The Youth of the Year program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome, and outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community. As Overall Youth of the Year, Bhat was awarded a $1000 educational scholarship, and Ball and Salinas each received a $500 scholarship, courtesy of the Blackburn Foundation and Ted Vallas.
Currently a senior at Carlsbad High School, Bhat is destined to make a positive impact on a national or global level. He became involved with the Club because he wanted to raise environmental awareness, and structured a recycling program for the La Costa Branch.
“The friendly nature of everyone at the Club is welcoming to any stranger. The bonds I have created with my Club 'family' will stay strong even when I go off to college,” Bhat said. “I am so grateful for these relationships.”
Recognition was given to all three young men at Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad's Super Star Dinner, held in January at the Carlsbad Village Branch.