Congratulations to East High sophomore Arina Tembo on being named the Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa! The announcement below from BGCCI shares more about Arina and this recognition.

Des Moines Public Schools has partnered closely with the Boys & Girls Clubs over the years in support of youth programs. BGCCI currently has locations at six DMPS schools: East High School; Hiatt, McCombs and Meredith middle schools; and Carver and Moore elementary schools.

Arina Tembo has been named the Central Iowa Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 74th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

After signing up for Club when she was in 7th grade, Arina has grown into a confident Club leader. She has become an advocate for education equality and is planning to become a physician, all while overcoming the challenges of switching schools and making new friends. By focusing on self-love, Arina hopes to empower youth to love themselves and teach them the impact self-love has on their relationships, lifestyle and future.

“We are incredibly proud of Arina and all the Central Iowa Youth of the Year candidates,” said Tony Timm, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. “Arina has exhibited extraordinary service and leadership. We look forward to continuing to support Arina’s Club journey in becoming a role model other kids can admire and emulate.”

Arina will go on to compete for the Iowa Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. If selected as Iowa Youth of the Year, she will contend for the title of Midwest Regional Youth of the Year who will receive an additional $20,000 college scholarship. Six finalists will advance to the virtual National Youth of the Year event in October 2021, to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.