Past Recipient Stories

David Teixeira, Youth of the Year Winner for 2012, is a prime example of how being at the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii can enhance a young life.  The second to the last of seven siblings, some of whom have children of their own, Teixeira has been pulled in many different directions over the course of his young life.  From babysitting to attending school to the trials of young adulthood, Teixeira strives to maintain a standard of excellence in all he does.  Here, in his own words, are excerpts from his winning speech.

“It’s the children that I encounter here, though, that really seal the deal for me.  It’s heartbreaking to find out just how much they have lost over the course of their young lives, and yet even then, all they really want to latch onto is a little light of hope.  I believe that every person who walks in through that door as a volunteer is a light.  We are their rocks, providing someone for them to lean on as they battle with adversity at school, home and life in general.  It’s important to me that I take the time to just sit with these children and listen to their stories…Often times, it takes everything I have not to break down in tears. But I make it a point to tell them that no matter what, there is always hope, that they have it in them to step out from the shadows and change the world…”

“…I realize that I can always be a leader and just listen. Sometimes, just showing you care is enough. I put a lot of my time aside because these kids have become like my own family.  At home, we are dealing with a divorce and I know how it’s so easy to feel that burden on your own shoulders…My goal with these kids is to take some of that pain off of their shoulders, and to mentor them into having confidence in themselves.  To push them to be something greater, even though everything around them may seem like it’s crumbling. Many of these youths look to the Boys and Girls Club as their home.  In my mind, I am more than just a leader to the kids of Nanakuli BGCH; I am their brother…It’s important to me that I am there when they need me…”

“…Through the Nanakuli Club, I have become able to speak much more comfortably in front of large crowds, which was once a fear that I struggled to overcome.  For me, this is my best attempt at leadership, showing by example that I am willing to do something I may not be comfortable with, but that I feel I need to do…I take great pride in what I do for the Nanakuli Club. They have truly become my family and have helped me to overcome many obstacles.  Some of the fears that plagued me in the past were banished here, and I can say that my confidence in myself, in school and in my personal life have made tremendous strides.  Now as a trusted leader, I do my best to support a new generation of youngsters, guiding them through their own insecurities and into a position where they are of healthy mind and spirit.  Together, I know now that I can achieve anything if we do things from the heart, and never forget the ties that bind us to our families and our community.”

“The Club will always be a place of history.  When I was a member at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, I created lifelong memories with amazing people.  The Club not only helped me get through the tough times…but also helped me to realize my true potential, that I can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it.”

“I define the Boys & Girls Club as a place of history because the skills and qualities that I have today are because of the Club.  Nobody forgets history; in fact, people use history and apply it to themselves in order to get better.  I use the history that I acquired from the Boys & Girls Club to handle real-life situations… the Club impacted who I am, changing my history from what it would have been had I not gone there.  The Club is a place of history, containing the past, present and future generations of young minds who will be inspired to become someone successful.”

James’ story is one of true triumph over adversity.  He lived with his grandparents for most of his young life due to his father’s addictions.  His father’s actions constantly reinforced James’ belief that his father valued controlled substances above the life of his own son. James developed a negative outlook on life, and had disciplinary issues at school. 

In his early teenage years, James chose to live with and rebuild a relationship with his mother when his grandparents moved to California. His mother told him about the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii-Spalding Clubhouse, and James immersed himself in Club activities.  He became an officer in the Leaders in Training Program, and helped to develop and implement new program ideas, as well as recruited new members.

James’ mother ended her most recent relationship in a similar manner to her relationship with James’ father.  She decided to relocate the family to another city, but didn’t want to take James away from the Club that had such a positive impact in his life.  James had to take the hour-long bus ride to school and to the Spalding Clubhouse.

Since his parents’ separation, James has spoken briefly to his father.  He told him of his participation in the Leadership program at the Club, his plans to attend college and his dream to become a successful marine biologist and give back to his community.  James also continues to help with grocery shopping, doing daily chores around the home, and being a positive role model to his younger sister.  Despite the many obstacles faced in his young life, James has fought to overcome life’s hardships to become a young man of excellent character.