Meet Lauren, this year’s Hawthorne Member of the Year

For more than two years, Lauren K. has been a familiar and friendly face at Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley’s Hawthorne clubhouse.

“She brings happiness and creativity to every activity she’s involved in,” Juanita Diede, the clubhouse’s director, said. “She’s very empathetic to others around her.”

Lauren comes from a bigger family, living with her mom, stepdad, brother and two sisters. So, it’s no wonder her favorite game to play at the Club is Family Feud which she loves playing with Pashion and Ava, two of the staff. Her best friends at the Club include Kaya and Aubrey, two previous Members of the Year. They do art together and always have fun in the gym.

This year, it was Lauren’s turn to share the spotlight with her friends as the 2025 Hawthorne Member of the Year.

“Lauren was selected for Member of the Year because she stands out among other kids her age,” Diede said. “Lauren is her own person and she isn’t afraid to show that to the world.”

The 10-year-old is known as a great friend to everyone around her, and the caring and concern she has for her peers is truly genuine. Lauren is also known as a fantastic artist at the Club, letting her creativity shine through in everything she does. She’s passionate about each piece she creates, taking her time on her work and letting her natural talent come out and onto the canvas. She’d love to be a designer or painter when she grows up, future careers the staff at the Club help her explore.

When she’s not at the Club, Lauren can be found listening to music and singing loud and proud, and, of course, drawing something and working on her latest creation.