- 2008 Youth of the Year -

River Roybal, a member of the Duluth Boys & Girls Club for the past seven years, was selected as the Club's 2008 Youth of the Year. River is a 17-year-old Junior at Duluth Denfeld High School and plays center and defensive tackle on the football team. River is in good company among many young people across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs fo sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community.

"I'm so excited to have this opportunity. I did my best and worked hard to represent our Club." River said. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive at their local organization. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

River comes from a large, loving family of six children, but they are not without their challenges. Overcoming these challenges has helped him to become the responsible and caring individual that he is today.

"Without the Boys & Girls Club, I would be struggling today, " River said. When River first joined the Club, he was able to get extra help for his homework and was proud when he was able to finish it. Today, school is very important to River and is something he has pledged to do well. He shows great promise because of his dedication to academic achievement and an ability to get along well with peers and leaders alike. River is interested in engineering and plans on attending college after graduation. One important aspect of River's life is his involvement in the Ojibwe community. He embraces his Native American culture and is proud of his heritage. River has set a high moral standard and has proven to be a young man genuinely concerned about the people around him, offering help whenever possible.

For may years, River has been involved in community outreach and service. He is aware of the positive effect the Club has had on his own life, and he continually participates in programs and service to give back to his community. "River's positive attitude, helpfulness and sense od responsibility makes him a well-respected member of the Club, " said Marcia Kane, Director of Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Duluth. "His commitment to both Club and community is inspiring to us all and serves as a true example to young people in the Duluth area."