June 11, 2008

Daniel Diaz was 8 when his family encouraged him to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

Now a 15-year-old freshman at Oxnard High, Daniel recently earned the most prestigious award that a Boys & Girls Club member can receive: Youth of the Year.

"The Youth of the Year title is highly coveted," said Tim Blaylock, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. "The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome."

Among hundreds of young winners across the country being recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Daniel was honored for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to his community, Blaylock said.

The younger of two boys and the son of a single mom, Daniel has a character that shined through when his mother lost her job after 11 years of service, was evicted from their apartment and totaled the family car — all within a month's time.

"Despite hardship, Daniel showed dedication, love and loyalty to his mother, and was the light at the end of the tunnel," said Blaylock, adding that Daniel's father left the family when he was 3. "Daniel is the youngest of his siblings, yet he has managed to demonstrate great leadership and dedication to his family."

When his mom lost her job and faced more hardship, Daniel said he gained strength from the Boys & Girls Club.

"They told me everything would be all right, and they have been there ever since," he said. Additionally, "the club has made my life a lot easier to make friends and to get an education."

Blaylock remembers the time when Daniel's grandmother broke her arm, and he took charge of helping her with medication and food preparation.

"Some say leaders are born in times of crisis," Blaylock said. "Daniel has proven that through difficulty, he can not only persevere, but inspire. He is truly an exemplary member of this community, and we are fortunate to have him here at the club."

Today, Daniel is a member of the Boys & Girls Club's Movers and Shakers Keystone Club, a leadership group that performs community service and participates in service learning projects. Throughout the year, he assists with fundraising events and holiday parades, and he has hosted informational and activity booths at events such as Earth Day, the Multicultural Festival and the annual Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids.

"Daniel is very passionate about giving back to the club," Blaylock said. "He feels that he has been given so many opportunities that he would never have had, that he wants to make sure others have the same opportunity."

After he graduates from high school, Daniel plans to attend college and earn a degree in meteorology.

"I believe Daniel will not only be successful in graduating from high school but will accomplish reaching his career goal," Blaylock said.

But more important, "I envision him living a life of significance, meaning that he will not only be a success himself but will add value to others," Blaylock said. "Daniel's future is as bright as he decides to make it."

VenturaCountyStar.com