East Palo Alto Teen Named Youth of the Year

Ruben Ruvalcaba, 17, is the 2012 Youth of the Year. 

The East Palo Alto resident is a senior at Eastside College Prep right now and has been involved in the Boys & Girls Club since 2003.  Ruvalcaba said he wants to go to Santa Clara University for his undergraduate degree.

The BGCP Youth of the Year receives a plaque and a $1,500 scholarship from BGCP.

“This isn’t about a winner or a loser," said Peter Fortenbaugh, executive director of the BCCP.

“It’s about the process of having kids learn to articulate life goals, speak in public, and have one-on-one interviews with a senior executive. It’s not just a beauty contest."

Rossmeri Ramirez from was the Redwood City finalist.

Read more about what they had to do to qualify for the nomination

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