HONOLULU –  Shortly after receiving his Senate Certificate of Recognition as a finalist of the 2012 Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year program today, Maui native and Baldwin High School junior Lopaka Mattos was selected as the club’s representative to the regional level. 

YOUTH OF THE YEAR – Maui Senators congratulate members of the Maui Boys and Girls Club. (L to R) Raquel Zane, Leah Kinores, Lopaka Mattos, Sen. English, Sen. Baker, Sen. Tsutsui, Courtney Galarita and Tiera Conley. (Hawaii Senate Photo)

The selection was announced at a Boys and Girls Club luncheon following Hawaii State Senate floor presentation.  Maui’s Senatorial delegation is proud of Lopaka’s achievement.

“I congratulate Lopaka for this wonderful accomplishment.  He has impressed many throughout the Boys and Girls Club organization with his strong faith, sense of community and volunteerism,” said Senator J. Kalani English, who represents District 6, encompassing the areas of Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and Kaho‘olawe.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Lopaka.  He is an extraordinary young man who has been able to rise above many personal challenges,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who represents District 4, ecompassing Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului, Paia, and Lower Paia.

“He will make us proud as he represents the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii at the regional level.  At 17-years old, he has already demonstrated his perseverance against adversity, which makes this achievement even more gratifying,” said Senator Roz Baker, who represents District 5, encompassing South and West Maui.

Maui club winners were also recognized during the Senate floor presentation.  They are Leah Kinores, Raquel Zane, Tiera Conley and Courtney Galarita.

David Teixeira, an active member of the Nanakuli Boys and Girls Club, was the other finalist vying for the title of 2012 Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year.

Since 1976, the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) has prepared young people for leadership roles on all islands. The annual BGCH Youth of the Year program offers exceptional teens the opportunity to compete for the title of Youth of the Year at the organizational, state, regional, and national levels. Youth of the Year finalists are selected by their respective clubhouses for their leadership, resilience, and demonstrated commitment to serve their families, communities, and the Boys and Girls Club organization.