FROM TROUBLE MAKER TO GREAT POTENTIAL

Meet Robert G., the 2025 Youth of the Year

When Robert first started coming to the Club, he was a shy, reserved kid who didn’t really want to go. His mom had just gotten a new job, which meant she needed another option for her kids after school. She knew the Club offered more than just a babysitter would, so Robert headed there. Robert felt like he couldn’t open up to anyone, became incredibly reserved, and began reacting to situations by acting out more and more.

The few friends Robert had began hanging out with him less and less as he got in more and more trouble. He was sitting out of games, not getting to participate in fun things, and causing problems for the other kids around him.

“I liked getting in trouble at first because I thought it was fun, until people stopped talking to me and really just stopped being friends with me.”

It was at that point that Robert opened himself up to the help and advice the staff at the Club had been trying to give him. The staff at the Club knew how to talk to Robert in a way he would understand, and when he decided to listen, he began to change.

“As I got older, I really did change my ways.”

Part of getting older for Robert meant moving from the single-story clubhouse on Main Street in Yerington next door to the teen center. The initial reaction from Robert again was to become reserved, and the bullying he experienced from a few kids older than him didn’t help. But, again thanks to the help he received from the staff, and the conversations he had with his peers around him, he was able to find himself and make new friends more quickly this time.

"I really want to thank the teen director at the time, Tommy (Crowder). He helped with a group of teens that let me in, and I really broke out of that shell I was living in.”

Robert’s confidence soon began growing into leadership. He was getting noticed by staff for his improved behavior, and more people saw more potential in him. An invitation to Keystone Club, the Club’s teen leadership and service group, quickly came. At first, Robert said no as he didn’t think he deserved to be in something like that. But after a few days of thinking it over, he realized it was a great next step in his journey at the Club. He participated in everything, got a ton of support from his advisors Tommy and Caeley Irvine, and continued to grow. He was elected Treasurer of the group, and now serves as the Keystone Club President.

Robert also found a job at the Club when he started working in the kitchen. Preparing more than 100 meals a day for Yerington’s kids and teens, baking quickly became something he knew he was good at and really enjoyed. Now, on special days like Friday, kids can enjoy a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie courtesy of the new Youth of the Year. Robert also rotates around the Club, getting experience as a Youth Development Professional and getting the chance to become a mentor to younger members that were just like him growing up.

Using the skills and confidence he found at the Club, Robert recently joined a Wildland Firefighting squad as a member of the Camp Crew over the summer, helping organize and keep track of supplies while maintaining the camp for those battling the blaze.

Next up, Robert will represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley at the state competition, held in Carson City March 12-14. The winner of the state competition will go on to the regional competition as the Nevada State Youth of the Year.