Benson senior recognized again for achievements
Youth leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs in the Portland metro area are recognized for their community and family achievements, academic success and strong moral character. Teya Shearer from Benson High School (second from right) was named the Boys & Girls Club’s Metro Youth of the Year for the second time. PHOTO BY SEAN BASCOM
Regence Boys & Girls Club member and Benson Polytechnic High School senior Teya Shearer is the 2019 Boys and Girls Club Metro Youth of the Year, marking her second year of holding the prestigious title.
Judges heard speeches and conducted one-on-one interviews with each of the six candidates before ultimately deciding on Shearer for the coveted award during a luncheon ceremony last month. The decision came after each candidate gave moving speeches to the packed crowd.
Alex Molden, former NFL star, gave an inspiring speech about his time as a Club member to kick off the event.
Shearer volunteers with Health Occupations Students of America, Rosa Parks Elementary School, the Charles Jordan Community Center and at her Regence Boys and Girls Club. She is also a member of the Women’s Empowerment Club at Benson and plans to pursue a career in the healthcare field, starting with the pursuit of a degree from Occidental College on her way to becoming a doctor or nurse.
During the Youth of the Year celebration, Shearer edged out five other outstanding local members for the title, including Bryan Alvarado (Inukai Family Club), LeShawn Willingham (Wattles Club), Johnathan Slade (Rockwood Club), Emily Valencia (Inukai Club), and Alexa Ramirez (Wattles Club).
Each of these exceptional youth demonstrate the Clubs’ core values and will each receive $500 scholarships to help towards their own academic success post-graduation. Shearer will receive a $1,000 scholarship and she will move on to the statewide Youth of the Year selection process this March in Salem.