Celebrating Safety: JYOY Mentors

Core Value Spotlight

Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for young people to grow, learn, and thrive. This month, we proudly recognize our Junior Youth of the Year (JYOY) Mentors for exemplifying the core value of Safety through their dedication to fostering emotional security and confidence in our candidates. Over the course of 10 weeks, these mentors played a crucial role in ensuring that every participant felt comfortable, encouraged, and empowered throughout their journey.

The JYOY Mentors—Ryan Endres, Mia Campanella, Luke Russell, Daytheon Jeffries, Emanuel Brown, Kyle St. Gemme, Jaylen Wilson, Steve Thro, and Nadia Manushev—went beyond traditional mentorship by creating a space where candidates could freely express themselves without fear of judgment. Through one-on-one coaching, group discussions, and constructive feedback, they helped each youth refine their speeches, strengthen their interview skills, and build self-confidence, all while reinforcing a sense of belonging and emotional safety.

By prioritizing emotional well-being, the mentors ensured that candidates felt at ease as they navigated the rigorous preparation process. They took the time to listen, encourage, and uplift, fostering an environment where every participant knew their voice mattered. This approach allowed youth to overcome self-doubt, embrace their strengths, and present their stories with courage. The mentors' unwavering patience and kindness made a lasting impact, proving that emotional safety is just as important as academic and professional preparation.

Thanks to their guidance, the JYOY candidates thrived—not only in their competition but also in their personal growth. The mentors' commitment to creating a nurturing space helped each participant recognize their potential, develop resilience, and step into leadership with confidence. Their dedication to safety—both emotional and psychological—has left a lasting impact on our future leaders.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to these nine outstanding mentors for their time, compassion, and unwavering support. Because of their dedication, the Junior Youth of the Year candidates were able to shine in an environment where they felt truly safe, valued, and ready to take on new challenges.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County

For nearly 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County (BGCSTC) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs daily during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character & leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Through annual summer camps, after-school programming, and community events, BGCSTC serves children ages 5-18 across St. Charles County and beyond to enable them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County on bgcstc.org, Facebook, and LinkedIn.