Jocelyn Rodriguez Shines as Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s 2024 Youth of the Year

Jocelyn Rodriguez, a sophomore at Pasadena High School, has been named the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s Youth of the Year for 2024. Rodriguez was selected after a rigorous application process that included writing essays and delivering a three-minute speech to a panel of judges.

The Youth of the Year program, the premiere leadership initiative of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, emphasizes club involvement, community service, and personal growth. Rodriguez was chosen based on her leadership development, role modeling for younger club members, and active participation in various club programs over the past eight years.

“The Club is so proud to have Jocelyn represent us as our 2024 Youth of the Year,” said Lisa Cavelier, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. “She is a shining example of the many ways that members benefit from the Club – from sports teams, to leadership development opportunities, to arts programming, to participating in our virtual homework help sessions during the pandemic lockdowns, and more. She is a role model for younger Club kids about trying new things, staying positive, and being a leader. That’s what the Youth of the Year competition is all about!”

Rodriguez’s club involvement includes serving as a cabinet member of the Keystone Club, a nationally chartered leadership and service club; competing on the club’s swim and volleyball teams; and creating unique photography and artwork through the club’s Image Makers and CREATES programs. She has also served as an ambassador at numerous club events over the years.

The Youth of the Year selection process also provides an opportunity for Board members to become more deeply involved in the club’s youth programs. Rodriguez was supported throughout the essay-writing and interview process by Christina Altmayer of Health Management Associates, Inc., a Board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. 

Board member Jeff Scofield hosted the final interview panel at his offices at RBC Wealth Management on South Lake Avenue.

The 2024 Youth of the Year judges included several Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Board members: Barry Pyle, Board Chair, Elbar Investments; Melina Montoya, Vice Chair, Philanthropist; Morgan Chong Kim, Nonprofit Executive; Tori McCullough, Walt Disney Imagineering (Ret.); Jeffrey Scofield, RBC Wealth Management; and Simon Waters, Suitcase Entertainment.

In March, Rodriguez represented Pasadena at a County-wide Youth of the Year event, competing against finalists from other Los Angeles County Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, established in 1937, aims to enrich the lives of young people in the community, helping them reach their full potential as productive, caring, healthy, and responsible citizens. The club serves more than 2,000 youth annually, focusing on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. The club operates two main clubhouses in Pasadena and two school-site clubhouses on the Odyssey Charter Schools campuses in Pasadena and Altadena.