Moline Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

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varela_youth_of_the_year.jpg Antonio de Jesus Varela won the Moline Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year award and was one of six finalists for the Youth of the Year at the Illinois state level, out of a potential 26. Though, Varela did not win the Illinois Youth of the Year Award, he said that he is “honored and proud as a Latino to have been one of six finalists.”

The Springfield youth of the year contest took place Wednesday, April 16. The competition consisted of letters of recommendations from school, community, family and letters referring to his moral character, leadership skills, etc. Each person was to give a speech and would be judged on a number of factors. Varela started off his speech by singing part of  “I believe I can fly” and then proceeded with his speech. He said that he was nervous, excited, and mostly happy about being able to express who I am by telling his story.

Varela said that he did not win the Moline Youth of the Year award on his own and that he had a lot of help. “I had the support of my family, past and present teachers, Boys and Girls club staff and community leaders. All I did was be who I am. I consider myself to be a good leader, son, brother, and friend to many,” he said.

Varela is in tenth grade at Moline High School and is the son of Jesus and Marina Varela. He wants to become a singer or dancer in R&B, Hip-Hop, or something related to the music industry because music is his life. “I feel it running through my veins,” he said.

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Marina Varela, mother of the award winner said there isn’t enough room to convey her true feelings on her son winning this award. “My husband and I are very proud of his accomplishments,” she said. “As his mother it is my duty to unconditionally love him and support his dreams and aspirations.”
Antonio de Jesus Varela said his heroes are his godfather Carlos Jimenez, his grandfather who watches him from heaven, Jose Varela, and his parents. In the music industry it’s Selena. “She knew ever since she was little that she wanted to shine like a star and in the end, she accomplished what she had dreamed her entire life,” he said.

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Varela wanted to thank the following, “I would like to thank God and my family for supporting me but I would also like to thank all the people that submitted letters of recommendations on my behalf. Thank you Hola America for considering me for your article.”

For the other Latino kids in the community, Varela gives the following advice. “If you want to be somebody and go somewhere in life, wake up and pay attention. Life is full of opportunities and with a blink of an eye, those opportunities can pass you by. Anything is possible regardless as to where you come from, where you live or how much money you make. You just have to believe in God but most of all you have to believe in yourself,” he said.

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