MonDak’s Youth of the Year sets sights on State stage

SIDNEY — When Evelyn Gonzalez returns from Helena, she hopes to bring home the title of Montana Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Last month, Gonzalez was named Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the MonDak, earning a $1,500 scholarship and the chance to compete at the state level.

“For me, I represent my club and my community,” Gonzalez said of the honor.

If she wins in Helena, the scholarship increases to $2,500. From there, the stakes rise significantly: winners at the regional competition receive $25,000 and the national Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America earns $50,000.

“It’s a little nerve-racking, but it’s very exciting,” Gonzalez said Monday.

A senior at Sidney High School, Gonzalez has been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the MonDak for the past three years. She first learned about the Youth of the Year program last year, when her sister, Jacky Gonzalez Martinez, represented Richland County and went on to win the state competition.

Gonzalez decided to give it a shot and made it through the first round on Feb. 16. The competition included completing "a lengthy application," along with three essays, a memorized speech and a question-and-answer session with a panel of judges.

Essay topics include her experience with the Boys & Girls Clubs, its impact on her life, and personal challenges she has overcome.

In her writing, Gonzalez reflected on her childhood as a Spanish-speaking student entering an English-speaking school system. She described the difficulties she faced early on and how joining the club helped her find a sense of belonging, confidence and purpose.

She also addressed issues she cares about deeply, including food insecurity and supporting youth in unstable home environments — challenges she said are prevalent in her community.

Outside of the competition, Gonzalez is active in a number of school and community organizations, including Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), FFA, International Club and Key Club. She also serves as a mentor in the Eagle Buddies program, where she was paired with a Spanish-speaking child. The mentorship grew into a strong bond.

Her volunteer efforts include helping raise donations for the local food bank, and she hopes to eventually start a community garden — part of her effort to address food insecurity.

In Helena, Gonzalez will attend a meet-and-greet and lunch before beginning the competition Thursday. She will deliver her three-minute speech — a compilation of her essays — and participate in a 15-minute interview with judges.

Is she ready?

"Yeah, I think so," she responded with a smile, adding she is approaching the competition with a positive attitude. "I think I have it all memorized."

Later that evening, each delegate will present their speech again, this time before an assembly that includes members of the Montana Legislature. The state winner will be announced afterward.

"The day after that, regardless of how it goes, we all get to tour the Capitol and get to meet people from the Legislature, so that's pretty cool," she said.

If Gonzalez follows in her sister's footsteps and wins the state title, she will advance to the regional competition in Dallas — where the competition becomes even tougher, but the rewards grow as well.

"We're just so proud of Evelyn," said club director Janelle Chamberlin. "We're excited to take her to Helena. I know it's going to be a great experience for her."