Yoselin Cortez has been named the South Haven Youth of the Year at a celebration at South Haven High School. Cortez will represent the Boys & Girls Clubs South Haven High School Campus in the organization’s club-wide competition that will include additional representatives from Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, on February 24. The competition will take place virtually and will be streamed on YouTube and open to the public.
Cortez is a 14-year-old freshman at South Haven High School and is the first representative of the Clubs at South Haven to participate in the Youth of the Year program for Boys & Girls Clubs. Cortez has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs since programs began in the summer of 2021. She is the daughter of Esther and Enrique Cortez and is a member of the school’s soccer team. In her free time, Cortez is an avid reader and a part of the high school’s theater program.
Cortez joined the Club with the goal of making new friends. “Boys & Girls Clubs has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and it has helped me alot,” said Cortez. “It’s not just a place to hang out, I’ve learned so many skills to use in everyday life, skills like communication, building relationships, and teamwork.”
“Yoselin is a wonderful example for her fellow Club members. Her thoughtfulness and ambition are something to be admired,” said Makenzie Roberts, Boys & Girls Clubs Site Director in South Haven. “I am confident that she will represent our Clubs well and will stay committed to her goals, achieving anything she puts her mind to.”
Cortez has goals to study to become a crime scene investigator in the future.
Following the February 24th virtual club-wide competition, the teen chosen to represent Boys & Girls Clubs locally will compete with teens selected by each of the 16 statewide clubs for the Michigan Youth of the Year title.
Boys & Girls Clubs based in Benton Harbor has a legacy of recognized leaders with the 2020 winner, Tekeidra Masters, going on to earn the titles of Michigan Youth of the Year and Midwest Regional Youth of the Year. Quincy Sulton, 2018 Benton Harbor winner was also named Michigan Youth of the Year. In 2014 Jasmnika Newbern was selected as the Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Midwest Regional Youth of the Year. Trianna Sutton was the Benton Harbor and Michigan Youth of the Year in 2012.
Every year the Boys & Girls Clubs of America reaffirm their mission to inspire and empower today’s youth by celebrating exemplary youth in Clubs across the nation through the Youth of the Year program. The Youth of the Year journey begins locally when youth, nominated by Club staff and peers, accept the challenge to rise above and make positive changes in their lives, Club and community.
