Member of the Month: T.J. Bushnell
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight T.J. Bushnell, 7th Grader.
T.J. is an outstanding student who consistently exhibits conscientiousness, congeniality, and creativity!
At the Club, she focuses on her schoolwork. Her demeanor is respectful and well-mannered. She is a kind soul who includes her friends in activities.
“There is always something to do!”
She loves anything creative! At BGCC, her favorite activities are painting, drawing, and “anything in Makerspace.” Her parents kept T.J. busy with swimming, karate, and ballet, but her creative side shines at the Club. Her superpower is creating a detailed story from one single song!
When T.J. isn’t listening to music, she loves books and always wants to be surrounded by them. She envisions herself as a school librarian, a journalist, or an author, roles that would allow her to continue her love for books and creativity.
What is she most grateful for at BGCC?
“I am grateful for the staff. Definitely!
Member of the Month: Cristiano Bautista
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight Cristiano Bautista, Cunha 8th Grader.
Who voluntarily vacuums his friend’s mess without being asked?! Cristiano does!
His thoughtful and caring nature has impressed the staff. In addition to being a kind friend, this determined young man demonstrates his adaptability and communication skills regularly.
Ambition drives him to be a good shooter in soccer. When he grows up, he wants to be a professional soccer player on his favorite team, Real Madrid. For now, he enjoys playing soccer at the Club with his friends. He is very grateful that most of his friends are Club members!
Before joining the Club, Cristiano typically went home after school and did homework. Now, he plays soccer, visits with friends, and gets better grades!
At the Club, staff helped him improve his grades by helping him better understand the material and stay focused.
Cristiano is very thankful for his family, especially his parents. And if you are hungry, you should know he likes to cook tacos — any kind! — and enjoys eating them, too!
Member of the Month: Julian Napoles
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight Julian Napoles, Cunha 6th Grader.
Known for being kind and respectful, Julian has excellent manners, always says thank you, and follows directions. He likes to help kids in class so they can succeed. His enthusiastic and friendly demeanor also helps him rally other kids to clean up the homework room — so they can start a soccer game!
He enjoys drawing and playing soccer with his younger brother in his free time. When he grows up, he wants to be a professional soccer player for his favorite Mexican soccer team, Club America.
Julian is very grateful for the BGCC staff who help him with his homework and assignments. They also help him “understand stuff” so he does better in his classes.
“I really like how the staff helps me understand stuff, so I can do better in my classes”
Keep up the good work, Julian!
Member of the Month: Misael Buenfil
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight Misael Buenfil, 7th grade .
Misael is a generous and caring young man who demonstrates kindness, maturity, and a positive attitude. He encourages others to participate in the Club sports activities. While playing football recently, he successfully encouraged a hesitant member to join.
Misael enjoys playing soccer and football or just playing with his friends. He says his superpower is shooting in soccer!
When he grows up, he would like to be a professional soccer player (started playing at age 3) or a professional football player (began in elementary school).
With his chef Dad, he cheers for the SF 49ers and Chivas and enjoys cooking. He loves making bagels with bacon and eggs. He is very thankful for his family – his mom, dad, and little brother.
BGCC has positively impacted his life! Homework assistance has helped him improve his grades. Before coming to BGCC, he would go home and hang out with his friends. Now, all his friends are at the Club, and he can get to know them better — AND meet new people.
He is grateful for BGCC staff – and would not change a thing here at BGCC!
Member of the Month: Reilyn Orada
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight Reilyn Orada, Cunha 8th Grader.
Reilyn is an all-star! She is empathetic, kind, and outgoing. She voluntarily helps wherever needed — even picking up trash without being asked!
She effortlessly balances academics and sports. And expresses herself confidently. As a passionate and adventurous young woman with solid communication skills and a mature nature, it is not surprising that she would like to be a lawyer.
She loves playing sports (especially volleyball) and baking chocolate chip cookies in her free time.
BGCC has impacted her life a lot! At BGCC, she has made many friends. Her favorite activities are playing with everyone, especially basketball and all the other sports.
Reilyn is most grateful for BGCC staff because they help with homework — and support kids emotionally.
And she wouldn’t change a thing at BGCC!
Member of the Month: Evan Leung
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight Evan Leung, Cunha 6th grader.
Underneath Evan’s reserved demeanor is a very dedicated and generous young man. He is a responsible person who consistently shows initiative. Staff also describes him as intuitive, creative, and committed to being his best self.
Evan inspires others with his dedication to reading — and focus on academic studies. After he finishes his homework, he immediately starts to read. In his free time, fantasy fiction books are his favorite. He has read all the Harry Potter books and seen all of the movies. Evan feels that his superpower is that he is good at playing chess!
“If it wasn’t for BGCC, I would take the bus home ALONE since my parents cannot pick me up after school.”
Before joining BGCC, Evan attended an after-school program at Seacrest, his former school. Now that he is at Cunha Intermediate, BGCC gives him somewhere to go for companionship, mentorship, healthy snacks — and fun! At BGCC, Evan particularly enjoys the game room and playing board games.
“I am very grateful for the staff – and the other kids. I wouldn’t change a thing at BGCC!”
Member of the Month: Valeria Corona
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. We would like to congratulate….Valeria Corona, Cunha 6th Grader.
Valeria prioritizes academics, asks for help when needed, and sets an excellent example for her peers by handling situations with maturity and patience. Now that she completes her homework at the Club, she has more time to enjoy her favorite activities.
The Club has made a big impact on Valeria’s life. Before starting at the Club, she went home to play outside or on her phone. Sometimes she finished her homework. However, at the Club, Valeria finishes most of her homework and participates in other Club activities she enjoys — like painting, cooking and playing volleyball. She just started playing this year and joined Cunha’s 6th-grade volleyball team.
“I am very grateful for BGCC!I appreciate the help with homework, snacks, drinks, and anything I need!” Valeria is also very thankful for being alive and spending time with her family.
She identified her natural superpower as helping her family clean and cook. However, if she could choose a superpower it would be to fly!
When she grows up, Valeria wants to be a nurse to help people. No doubt her maturity, patience and diligence will serve her well.
Keep soaring, Valeria!
Member of the Month: Brian Cunha
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person. This month we highlight Brian Cunha, HMBHS Senior.
Long-time Member Brian Cunha joined BGCC in 6th grade — and graduates this Spring from Half Moon Bay High School. “BGCC has helped me a lot with my behavior, anxiety, and level of responsibility.”
Brian says his Super Power is being “very helpful.” He loves to help everyone and it comes from his heart. When school is in session, he frequently vacuums our homework rooms where students complete their daily homework assignments. During school breaks, he supports the Club at BGCC specialty camps supporting younger children in first through fifth grades.
Brian loves connecting with people. He’s happy to introduce you to everyone he knows- almost everyone in town! One of his favorite activities is walking to the downtown Half Moon Bay cemetery to enjoy the beautiful ocean view. He could “stay home and chill” after school, but he really likes attending the Club. The BGCC Teen Center recently sponsored a field trip to the College of San Mateo. Brian credits the experience for inspiring him to want to attend college!
After graduating high school, he wants to study psychology at the College of San Mateo. and become a school psychologist. Until then, he would love to work at BGCC one day. While he likes to help everyone at the Club, he especially enjoys helping Rolando. “Thank you to Rolando Madrid for helping him with his schoolwork. Thank you to Karen Egan, who helped me apply for college scholarships. I am also grateful for everyone else at BGCC.”
Member of the Month: Lupita Espinoza
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month we honor Guadalupe “Lupita” Espinoza. She is a Hatch Elementary 5th grader — and the first Member of the Month awarded from our new Elementary Program.
Lupita stands out because of her positive attitude, active participation and athletic skills. During a recent knockout basketball game, She demonstrated her supportive and kind nature when she cheered everyone on! She modeled her athletic skills by scoring the winning point in a ‘class vs class’ soccer game. Not surprisingly, her favorite activity at BGCC is playing sports — particularly soccer.
She says her superpower is that she is good at sports. She has outstanding balance — which she developed while taking gymnastics where the balance beam was her favorite. She is particularly confident in her Volleyball skills. When she grows up, she would like to be a volleyball player!
She likes to go outside and to the park in her free time. She is very thankful for her family. Before coming to BGCC, she attended the Eagle Club at Hatch — which currently sponsors our 5th-grade elementary program. How does she like BGCC? Lupita says “I would not change a thing about the Club!”
Ready, set, match! We look forward to seeing Lupita on the volleyball court in the future!
Member of the Month: Christel Sanchez Ruiz
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month we honor: Christel Sanchez Ruiz, Cunha 6th grader
Christel’s positive attitude and kind disposition really shine at BGCC!
Her thoughtful and supportive nature is evident every day. For example, she offered to read to a group of 5th-grade girls that didn’t have a reading buddy. Another time she shared her sandwich with another Club member that was hungry. She frequently helps staff clean up the Club and sign out members. Not surprisingly, Christel says her superpower is being organized and clean!
She likes the BGCC routine, which makes her comfortable and keeps her organized. Her grades have improved now that she has homework help at the Club!
At the Club, her favorite activities are cooking and volleyball. If it wasn’t for the Club, she knows she would be home watching her phone or riding her electric scooter.Christel enjoys playing with her family on weekends, watching movies, and baking chocolate chip cookies! She has two pet birds. Her favorite animals are horses and German shepherds. When she is older, she wants to be a veterinarian and help ALL animals!
Christel is very grateful for the support she receives from everybody at the Club!
Your dedication, compassion, and hard work will bring you much success, Dr. Ruiz!
Member of the Month: Brian Mangold
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month we honor: Brian Mangold, Cunha 6th grader
Brian has demonstrated strong communication and leadership skills at the Club. He regularly exhibits a helpful attitude, academic excellence, and active participation in sports.
In front of hundreds of guests at our fundraiser, Brian shared his personal BGCC experience. On Giving Tuesday, he represented BGCC in a KHMB interview.
We recognize and appreciate his upbeat nature, respectful attitude, and helpfulness to staff and peers. For example, at a recent BGCC celebration, Brian offered to get some ice cream cake for a fellow Club member who was busy playing Wii — and would lose if he stopped playing. Brian says that his superpower is that he feels empathy and can tell if someone is ok!
At BGCC, Brian enjoys playing volleyball, talking with friends, playing on his Chromebook, and listening to music. Brian plays the piano, and when he grows up, he wants to be a musician!
If he could change anything at the Club, he would add tennis — and musical instruments.
He is very grateful for the opportunities to represent the Club at the fundraiser and on the radio. Brian thinks he would be at home with his mom if he didn’t have the Club. Like many middle schoolers, at home, he enjoys playing video games and playing with his friends. Fun Fact: Brian can also vibrate his eyes!
We are so glad you moved to California. Keep making beautiful music, Brian!
Member of the Month: Millie Carrillo
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Millie Carrillo, an 8th grader at Cunha.
Millie is a strong academic student with excellent time management and communication skills. She is also sweet and very friendly! For example, Millie had a positive attitude when working on her Historical Figure project. She used her time wisely and was determined to complete the project.
She is grateful to Sandra Sarabia (BGCC Cunha Site Manager) — and the terrific staff that helps with homework.
At the Club, she also enjoys going to the Event Center to play volleyball! If she didn’t have the Club, she would take the bus home or go to the library.
The Club provides a safe place to hang out after school with her friends.
Millie says her superpower is kindness. In her free time, she enjoys baking red velvet cupcakes. Both skills may be beneficial if she pursues her career aspirations to be a nurse or a teacher!
Hope to see you in the classroom soon, Miss Carrillo!
Member of the Month: Blake Zerbe
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Blake Zerbe, a 6th grader at Cunha.
Funny, energetic, and studious — are all words used to describe Blake. One example of his “funny” side happened when he was in elementary school. He used to dye his hair a lot, but one day he dyed his hair 6 different colors!
At the Club, Blake puts a lot of energy into his studies and group activities. He exhibits consistent initiative to start his homework and, once done, immediately starts reading. His favorite physical activities at the Club include playing on the field, playing basketball and playing pool.
Before joining BGCC, Blake would simply go home and do his homework. The Club has really impacted his life because it really helps him get his homework done.
Blake is most grateful for the Club because it has a wide range of kids to interact with and make friends.
Not only is he very respectful and kind to others, staff describes him as a great communicator. Blake says his superpower is that he makes friends easily even though he is shy.
In his free time, he likes to be outdoors, play baseball, or relax with games on his phone. While he isn’t sure what he wants to be when he grow up, he thinks he might like to be a nurse, a scientist or an astrophysicist!
Is there anything he would change about the Club? Blake enthusiastically responds:
“I wouldn’t change a thing! The Club is great as it is!”
Member of the Month: Nathan Tejeda
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Nathan Tejeda, a 6th grader at Cunha.
Nathan is a super positive, active participant at the Club — and quarterback for the Cunha Flag
Football team! He is also a respectful and responsible student that always gets his homework done on time.
Before coming to BGCC, Nathan was part of an after-school program in the community where he lives. He would have to ask teachers or other people for help with schoolwork. Nathan says:
“The Boys & Girls Club has positively impacted my life by helping me a lot: by keeping my grades up, helping me with homework, and having fun!”
For fun, he loves all the games and playing soccer. Nathan is also grateful to BGCC for treating him with respect and “wouldn’t change a thing!”
Nathan is thankful for being alive and for his family. In his free time, Nathan enjoys spending time with them, playing video games, and playing sports like football and baseball. He also likes helping his dad, who is a mechanic, work on cars because he really likes working with his hands.
Staff describes Nathan as “kind, responsible and friendly.” So, it’s no surprise that Nathan says his “superpower” is that he really enjoys helping others!
When Nathan grows up he says “I would like to be someone important in the community so that I can help people that don’t have homes, that are suffering and don’t have enough to eat.”
Your superpower will make the world a better place, Nathan!
Member of the Month: Samuel Garcia
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month he is Samuel Garcia, a 6th grader at Cunha.
Samuel Garcia is a respectful and kind soul. He is very approachable, well-mannered — and good at basketball!
He exemplified this kindness when he asked a staff member for help while she was sweeping the floor. When she returned with the needed item, she found Sammy had started sweeping the floor for her!
Sammy is a gifted athlete. He says his superpower is that he never gets tired of playing basketball. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and likes to play with whoever will play. In fact, when he grows up he would like to be a professional basketball player….or maybe a barber.
He is grateful for the Club because the staff helps him with his homework, inspires him and keeps him off the streets — and away from bad influences. Before he started coming to the Club he would go around town cruising on his bike and then do his homework. Sammy says “if it wasn’t for the Club, I’d be on the streets. There are a lot of bad influences around me. Possibly I’d even be in a gang or be a gang member.”
While at the Club, he loves walking around talking with BGCC staff and other Club members — and, of course, playing basketball!
You always have a place (and a basketball) here, Sammy!
Member of the Month: Camila Oliva
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Camila Oliva, a 6th grader at Cunha.
Camila is a hardworking student with good attendance and excellent grades. She is also a good communicator with a positive attitude. She always participates in activities and loves to be helpful. For example, she will regularly demonstrate math problems on the board to help her fellow students!
One of the biggest impacts the Club has had on her life, she says, is that “I’m not on my phone all the time. Instead, I’m outside playing more sports.” Her favorite activities at the Club include playing volleyball and practicing shooting basketballs. She joined the Girls Cunha volleyball team (sponsored by BGCC) this year.
Hanging out — walking and talking — with her friends is one of her superpowers. She is very thankful for her friends — and family. She is also very grateful for Club Staff “because they really help me”. Before coming to BGCC, she would either go straight home — or visit stores with her friends. Now she has a place to focus on her academics, develop her athletic skills, and socialize with her peers.
Camila is not really sure what she wants to do when she grows up. However, she thinks she might like to be a nurse because she really enjoys helping people. As a smart, positive, and caring person, we think you would make a great nurse.
Nurse Camila we need you, STAT!
Member of the Month: Salma Barron Gomez
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Salma Barron Gomez, a 6th grader at Cunha.
Salma is a dedicated student who enthusiastically participates in Club activities. Her respectful, hardworking, and cooperative attitude makes Salma an exemplary Club member.
For example, she is always willing to help collect the recycling for the Club. She even created games for the Valentine’s Day Club party — and voluntarily helped clean up afterward!
At the Club, she enjoys art projects and time with her friends. She is grateful for BGCC because she has a place to be while her Mom works — and she can get help with her homework. Before she came to the Club, she did her homework at home while helping mom with chores at home.
Salma is very thankful for her family. In her free time, she loves to play with her cat, Luca, She also enjoys playing with her older sister and watching cartoons, especially Gravity Falls.
Her super power is getting her homework done on time! Her strengths include her patience and her ability to communicate. She would like to be a veterinarian when she grows up because she loves animals.
We look forward to bringing our pets to you, Dr. Gomez!
Member of the Month: Ceanna Oliva
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Ceanna Oliva, an 8th grader at Cunha.
Ceanna Oliva has excellent daily attendance, outstanding grades, and exemplary participation. In addition to being studious, she is also observant, empathetic, and helpful to other students.
Ceanna’s superpower is “getting things done.” She stays focused on her assignments during the entire homework time (called Power Hour) – start to finish. She regularly checks on school assignments to make sure they are completed. She wanted to get straight A’s — and she earned straight A’s!
When she commits to something, she will keep going until it gets done.
She may not know exactly what she wants to do when she grows up, but she is determined to attend University like her mom so that she can find a good job afterward.
When she isn’t studying, Ceanna enjoys baking peanut butter cookies and cooking for her parents. She also likes to work out a lot! She is thankful for her family and friends — and the Club.
Before she started coming to BGCC she would go straight home after school and was easily distracted by her phone, making it hard to get her homework done. The Club helped her get organized and gave her structure to complete her homework – and now provides a place to hang out with friends, play volleyball, and talk with Staff. She is grateful for the BGCC staff members because “without them, none of this would happen here. They help the kids with a lot of things.” She added that she wouldn’t change anything at the Club. She enjoys everything!
Your kindness, independence, and perseverance will serve you well in college — and in life. All the best, Ceanna!
Member of the Month: Giovanni Leonel Bautista
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Giovanni Leonel Bautista, an 8th grader at Cunha.
Giovanni is a kind, respectful young man who is determined to always do his best! We appreciate that he actively participates in our program with an open mind and adaptable mindset. His hard-working ethic, initiative, and outgoing personality make him a natural leader.
He demonstrates helpfulness at the Club — and at home. For example, his younger brother, Cristiano, couldn’t find the words to communicate that he was upset. Gio instinctively stepped in to help interpret his brother’s feelings for the staff. On the weekends, he loves to help his Dad. He is very thankful for his family!
Gio is also grateful that BGCC is available to provide help with homework, a safe place to hang out and build relationships. At the Club, he loves to hang out with friends and play sports. Gio is a multi-talented sports player, but he particularly loves to play soccer. His superpower is speed — and he really likes the adrenaline rush!
When he grows up, he would like to be a professional soccer player and give back to his community.
Bien Gol, Gio! We hope you will join our staff and show the younger kids how to play ball!
Member of the Month: Jose Jaca Maya
December 2021
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Jose Jaca Maya, a 7th grader at Cunha.
“Jose is a respectful, kind young man who is very disciplined and highly self-motivated to do well in school. He’s determined to get all A’s”, says Mrs. Frisch. Jose will advocate for himself at lunch, before school, or at the Club when he is confused about a subject. He persistently asks questions – and never gives up!
Jose particularly likes Math and wants to be good at it. Mr. Clinton said that Jose regularly asks for additional Math homework and generously helps others with concepts they may not understand.
Jose excels at keeping track of his work, trying his best, and remaining organized according to Mrs. Butterfoss. She jokes that “Google Classroom must be his favorite app!” She said he keeps his head down and does his work but is always aware of his surroundings — and often has funny or related responses. He politely checks in with teachers and staff and is kind and supportive to his peers.
Jose is very responsible at school — and as a big brother helping at home with his baby sister. His face lights up when he talks about her. Jose is also thankful for his friends, family, teachers, grandparents, uncle, auntie, and cousins.
At BGCC, Jose likes completing his homework early and getting help if he has a question. When he finishes his work, he enjoys playing basketball and the Nintendo Switch. When he grows up, he would like to be a professional basketball player!
His future looks bright considering, as Mrs. Butterfoss said, that Jose is “a bright light of hope when things are tough – and he faces all challenges head-on.”
Member of the Month: Angel Ronquillo
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Angel Ronquillo, a 6th grader at Cunha.
Angel is an outstanding student who blends his natural intelligence with a focused determination. He stays on top of his homework by coming in during his free period to work on assignments due the next day. He is an excellent communicator, knows when to speak up — and is always polite!
Angel is also very responsible and helpful. He even organized the classroom bookshelves just because he wanted to help. He didn’t even ask for Club bucks! Angel is “respectful, responsible, and sweet.” He consistently sets an all-around great example at the Club.
He is an active BGCC Member – and participates daily in our lunch and after-school program. While it was difficult for him to narrow down what he enjoys the most, he likes the quiet place to do homework, the social opportunities, sports, and cards. He gets great joy in beating staff at UNO!!
When he grows up, he would like to be an actor. No doubt his determination, sense of responsibility, and affable nature will help him find success!
Member of the Month: Marelyn Ulgalde Correa
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Marelyn Ulgalde Correa, a 6th grader at Cunha.
“We nominated Marelyn because of her incredibly positive attitude and her overall helpfulness,” says Diana Cariaga, a BGCC Counselor. For instance, she frequently translates from classwork and assignments from English to Spanish for her classmates. She helps out her fellow students when it is needed for homework — or just communicating in general. She herself is doing really well in school. She demonstrates her commitment to BGCC by attending every day and participating in all outside activities.
Describing Marelyn in three words, she is: responsible, respectful and giggly! She stays true to her self — which is an admirable strength. She is thankful for… everything. And if she could have a super power, she would like to be fast!
What does she like most about BGCC? Marelyn says she is “grateful for the staff helping me with homework. I also really like to play at BGCC.” When she grows up she would like to be a teacher —or work for the Boys and Girls Club!
Marelyn, we will welcome you back anytime! 🙂
Member of the Month: Tarsicio Serrano
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Tarsicio Serrano, a 7th grader at Cunha.
“I nominated Tarsicio for Member of the Month because of his academic achievements. He works very hard during homework time and has improved a lot!” says Jessica Jaracuaro, his BGCC Counselor. She adds that “he has been a role model for other students, and overall the positive energy he gives to others is amazing!”
Tarsicio is always encouraging, generous, and helpful. Jessica adds that “He regularly provides positive feedback or thoughtful comments to others. His personality is such that he is always making others smile and laugh! And he is always respectful to others and the staff. “
He is grateful for BGCC because he has the space to do his homework and get staff support. He particularly likes to play football and dodgeball at BGCC. He shows up early every day — with his Starbucks drink!
Two of his most potent superpowers are enthusiasm and respectfulness. Tarsicio likes to stand up for kids who are getting bullied and bring joy to them. He is incredibly thankful for his family and friends and loves spending time with them outdoors. He also admitted he is “very skilled at dancing,” — and we can’t wait to see him on the dance floor!
When he grows up, he would like to be an electrician. We know Tarsicio will continue to “light up” the world for years to come!
Member of the Month: Edwin Meza
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Edwin Meza, an 8th grader at Cunha.
“Edwin is always helping others! He finds a way to help the staff with anything. He is always very welcoming and engaging with members and staff,” shared Sandra Sarabia, Cunha Site Director. “Edwin is the first one at the Club and attends every day. He shows responsibility and respect to all,”continues Sandra. She adds that Edwin communicates well — and his peace and calmness is his Super Power!
He wants to do well in all aspects of his life. Edwin is a leader — driven, responsible, independent. For example, he has worked very hard on his schoolwork — and dramatically improved academically. Another example occurred on a particularly hectic day at the Club when Edwin offered to help out. This act meant a lot to the team because he did it without being asked —and did not expect anything in return!
Edwin is grateful for BGCC being open and offering activities. He was able to work on his assignments because he did not have internet access at home. In addition, Edwin likes the staff and space we offer to do homework and outside activities. He loves playing soccer at BGCC during the outside time!
His favorite sport is soccer, and he plays it all the time. He is part of our conditioning program and recently joined AYSO. When he grows up, Edwin would like to be a Professional Football Player.
We know his drive, determination, and leadership qualities will make him successful on and off the field!
Member of the Month: Leo Rico-Procopio
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Leo Rico-Procopio, a 6th grader at Cunha.
“Leo brings a great attitude to the Club and always participates in our activities. He also has done a great job in improving and maintaining good grades throughout the semester,” says Luis Galindo, one of Leo’s counselors at BGCC. Hector Moreno-Rico, another counselor, adds that “Leo is always being productive in the pod — whether it be classwork or homework.”
His counselors agree that Luis is a “self-sufficient, hard-working, overall great person”. Not only is a solid student, but he is also resilient, consistent and positive as a person. We particularly enjoy Leo because he is fun — and funny!
Leo likes coming to BGCC because he gets to talk to his friends and play with them. He also enjoys participating in the activities. Leo likes to ride his skateboard, but this semester the kids have been playing a lot of soccer. Luis added that “Leo surprised me with showing how much he has improved in this sport. He is playing at a level that you might say he has been playing for a couple years, but in reality he has only been playing a few months.”
Keep up the good work, Leo!
Member of the Month: Reynaldo “Rey” Torres
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside (BGCC) recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Reynaldo Torres, a 6th grader at Cunha.
We selected Reynaldo because he is an outstanding student. “Reynaldo is great at planning out his school work and is never afraid to speak up in class,” says JP Viernes, one of Reynaldo’s counselors at BGCC. David Contreras, another counselor, adds that Rey “is always on top of his work and gets it done on time – or even before it is due!”
Rey is energetic — but when another student has a test or presentation he helps keep everyone else quiet and focused. He is conscientious about knowing when he (or a classmate) has to work on something challenging.
When Reynaldo is not studying, he loves playing soccer with his friends and classmates at BGCC. Reynaldo misses going to class and seeing all of his friends at school. He really wanted to join the soccer team because he would like to be a professional soccer player when he grows up!
While he is most thankful for his family, he is also very grateful for the BGCC Learning Pods. Wi-Fi is very limited for his brother and himself at home and they do not have someone to look after them. Reynaldo likes the pods because he can get help with his homework. What he likes the most are the activities — and the “nice and helpful staff”.
When things return to “normal”, Reynaldo hopes he can still come to the Boys and Girls Club. We hope so, too! We appreciate all your hard work, understanding nature, and positive energy!
We look forward to seeing you on the soccer field, Reynaldo!
Member of the Month: Johnny Ojeda Garcia
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Johnny Ojeda Garcia, a 6th grader at Cunha.
“Johnny takes advantage of opportunities that are available to him. He is willing to ask for help. He is a capable learner and has an easy-going, fun disposition,” shares his BGCC mentor Paul Harrison.
Paul proudly recognizes that Johnny has been putting forth a lot of effort to get his work in and his grades up — and his 2nd quarter grades reflect that! Evidence of this was when their pod was recently closed due to a Covid positive member. Everyone had to stay away from the Club and work from home for about a week. Without prompting, Johnny contacted Paul to make sure he stayed current with his assignments.
“I like the BGCC remote learning pods because it is a good learning environment, and I get to see more friends – and we can play outside,” says Johnny. During the pandemic, Johnny is most proud of how he has adjusted to online school. And when things are “normal” again, he hopes they use computers more in class!
In the future, when kids ask him about living through the pandemic, Johnny is going to tell them, “It was not a joke. We couldn’t go to normal school or play with friends, and we had to wear masks, use hand sanitizer all the time and stay 6’ apart.”
Johnny hasn’t decided what he wants to be when he grows up, but we know he will do well — especially with his superpower. Paul says Johnny’s superpower is “to make anything funny.” And we can all more humor in our lives!
Member of the Month: Samuel Garcia
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Samuel (Sammy) Garcia, a 7th grader at Cunha.
“Sammy always puts a full 100% effort into anything he does, and that makes him a great role model for his classmates,” says mentor Hector Segura. When he started our program, Sammy was far behind and missing lots of assignments. Sammy has worked very hard the last three months and is now passing all his classes and is virtually caught up. His resilience and dedication is impressive. He is always the first to get to the site and has yet to miss a day.
Remote Learning Pods have given Sammy the chance to grow independently as a student. Sammy has been able to engage and understand the material by putting in the extra effort of joining teachers’ office hours. He likes that school is shorter, giving him more one-on-one time with teachers and more time to complete assignments. He is also thankful BGCC helps him get out of the house for a few hours – and spend time with friends. Still, Sammy is looking forward to going back to normal life and school one day. In his free time, he is very passionate about BMX biking and gaming!
Sammy looks forward to many more obstacles this next year. He explains that “without them, we don’t grow as individuals, and we can’t enjoy the good times without getting through some rough ones.” His advice to other students is: “You can only control your attitude and actions, and the rest is only for time to tell.” Wise words, Sammy!
Your resilience – along with your respectful and kind nature – will take you far in life. Keep up the great work!
Member of the Month: Daniela Romero Covarrubias
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Cunha 6th grader Daniela Romero Covarrubias.
“We chose Daniela because we wanted to recognize her effective organization skills, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and eagerness to support others. In short, she cares”, says BGCC Mentor Paul Harrison. “Daniela is thankful for her family. She is a great student that is supportive of everyone. She makes lemonade out of lemons – daily. That is her Super Power!”
She likes coming to BGCC and getting help with her schoolwork. Paul shares, “I love that if she doesn’t understand something, she’s not afraid to ask for help, or say, ‘I don’t get it.’ Getting good grades is important to her, and she is proud that she is still getting good grades during the pandemic.
She has a great outlook on distance learning – she feels it is “easier to speak in class via zoom than in a live classroom.”
Daniela eloquently described how she would explain this unique time to young people in the future: “It was difficult learning remotely. It was hard not being in the classroom with teachers and friends. Sometimes the internet glitches, sometimes the fire alarm goes off or the power goes out, but we still had to learn & do our work.”
When this “Girl Power Extraordinaire” grows up, she would like to be a doctor. And we have no doubt she has what it takes.
Keep up the good work, Doc!
Member of the Month: Maria Romero
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Maria Romero.
Maria consistently impresses others with her hard work and determination. Mentor Eric Jeronimo noted “she is the last one to leave the room at every break. She always needs “one more second” to finish her notes completely!” Luiz Galindo added that “Usually if a student get 9 out of 10, the kid says that’s good enough. Not Maria! Recently she retook a test until she got 100%! That really stood out to me.”
What does she like about the BGCC Learning Pods? Maria is very grateful to have access to quiet space. At home, it is hard to find a quiet environment with siblings and cousins there every day. Also, since students in the learning pods are the same age, they frequently have the same class at the same time. Maria likes that they can help each other with their remote learning classes. For example, a student in her cohort wasn’t able to get into Zoom but Maria was able to ask the teacher to let the student in the waiting room.
Maria enjoys coming to BGCC and seeing familiar faces. You can tell she feels comfortable because she always arrives with a great attitude, a bright smile and ready to laugh. Of course, she does miss the chance to make TikTok dance videos with all her friends and meeting new people at the Club. But… when Maria takes a break from studying, she chats with friends and makes the most of the COVID-friendly activities!
We know Maria is proud of working hard for her good grades. We are proud of Maria for going above and beyond – and doing it with a great attitude!
Surfer of the Year: Dayton Lindsey
The Half Moon Bay Surf Club, a program of Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside, is honoring Half Moon Bay High School Senior, Dayton Lindsey, as Surfer of the Year. What does it take to be an award-winning surfer? “Positive attitude, enthusiasm both in and out of the water and graceful skill,” says Coach Mark Sutherland. And Dayton is definitely “dedicated, positive and skilled.”
Coach recalls, “a practice we held early in the season had some difficult conditions. We asked Dayton to check the waves. Two minutes later, Dayton was out carving it up, making it look easy. That’s the mark of a good surfer.”
Dayton also stands out because of his exceptional generosity. Coach recalls how “Dayton came in first place overall in Longboard for the year’s competition. He regularly finishes well in Shortboard, too. During the season, he approached me, saying that he would concentrate on longboarding for a while to give other surf team members opportunities to surf in upcoming Shortboard contests.”
As a third-generation Half Moon Bay local, Dayton and his family spend most of their time enjoying the beach. When Dayton was 12, the family stopped at Pismo Beach on the way back from a baseball tournament. “He started surfing then and has been hooked ever since!” says his mother, Victoria Lindsey.
“Surfing is relaxing, unpredictable and a challenge …and makes me feel free,” says Dayton. He likes surfing big waves and started surfing Mavericks last year and plans to continue. In the future, he wants to travel and surf all over the world. We look forward to seeing you in Surfer magazine one day!
(Virtual) Member of the Month: Manny Maya
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month.
This month we selected a member of our Virtual Club House! During our stay-at-home orders, the BGCC transitioned to a Virtual Clubhouse to connect members with staff who continue to support our students academically and socially online. If you want to know if we are making a difference, just read about Cunha 7th grader, Manny Maya!
“I picked Manny because over time I have seen him grow as a person. He wasn’t as social as he is now. He wasn’t one to start conversations or make new friends,” says Eric Jeronimo. However, Eric adds, “with the shelter in place I see that he misses being out and having company so he’s always the first to be on our Zoom sessions and he’s always participating and interacting with others.”
How would you describe Manny? He is “clever, funny, generous and hard-working.” He likes to play video games and he can be very competitive while playing with staff and other members. One of his favorite online games, Skribbi, is similar to Pictionary.
Manny is also always eager to learn new things and try new things. For example, his mentor recalls “one time in our virtual club session he decided to teach us how to make a easy 5 minute Oreo cake with just milk and Oreos.” Now that sounds delicious.
Thank you for contributing to our Virtual Clubhouse, Manny!
Member of the Month: Anthony Sarabia
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Anthony Sarabia.
“Anthony is friendly and charismatic – and he always encourages others to participate.” enthuses Miguel Isidro, his counselor this year. “I picked Anthony because he is a very good student, does his homework and participates in every activity – with 100 percent effort.”
Anthony loves ALL sports and particularly enjoys regular, competitive play with the staff. He is very passionate about soccer and basketball. Recently, he enthusiastically cheered on the staff at the Harlem Wizards vs BGCC Community All-Stars game (a BGCC fundraiser for the Cunha after school sports program).
So what does a student athlete like Anthony like to eat regularly?! Chicken nuggets and fries at Café Capistrano across the street!
Anthony is a 6thgrader at Cunha Middle School and is considered a “friendly, kind and outgoing student”. He is the youngest of four children – with three older sisters. However, he isn’t the youngest in the family because he has a nephew.
Keep studying and practicing your hoops, Uncle Anthony!
Member of the Month: Maria Romero
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month.
This month it is Maria Romero.
Do you know someone who instantly “lights up a room”? That’s Maria.
“Her personality is what stands out to me. Every time she comes into the club with her smile towards everyone, she brings light into the room. She treats everyone the same and loves to share her food with everyone”, says her mentor Jessica Jaracuaro.
Not only does Maria have a positive attitude, but she also has demonstrated strong academic performance in school. She describes her superpower as being “focused.” Maria wants to be a Math teacher when she grows up because she is very passionate about her favorite subject.
What she likes best about BGCC is that she gets to spend time with friends — and there are a lot of supplies that she can use for her schoolwork.
Whether she is at home or BGCC, Maria loves playing volleyball outside. In her free time, she also loves to dance, color, shop, watch movies – and walk on the beach with her mom on weekends. Her hero is her father. She loves how supportive he is and always looks up to him.
Keep on sharing your light, Maria!
Member of the Month: Ian Erhardt
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month. This month it is Ian Erhardt.
Do you like baseball?! If so, you will enjoy meeting Ian. He loves playingbaseball, talkingabout baseball and drawingbaseballs.
However, it isn’t his love of baseball that earned him this month’s BGCC Youth of the Month. His mentors Eric and Iggy said what stands out to them is just how much he has grown in the last few months. When he first joined BGCC, he was shy and not very involved in the group. Now they describe him as “an active participant and so much more outgoing! Ian even reaches out to his fellow peers 1:1 to encourage them to do the same.”
We at BGCC admire his active involvement, his outgoing nature and his inclusivity. Ian actively runs on the field and engages others. He plays chess and likes to draw. In school, he is a dedicated student earning the Principal’s Honor Roll this quarter. He really likes math because he enjoys figuring things out and problem solving. One day he will make a great scientist like his Dad!
Go Ian – and Go Giants!
Member of the Month: Kate Pastorino
Member of the Month: Ronin Hastings
Each month the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside recognizes one young person as Member of the Month.
Meet future artist and game designer, Ronin Hastings, a 6th grader at Cunha Intermediate School. Ronin is our Member of the Month.
Since he joined the Boys and Girls Club, he has been an active participant in soccer and dodge ball. When he isn’t kicking or dodging balls, he also enjoys martial arts, hiking and collecting rocks. However, it wasn’t just the activities that got him noticed by Club Leaders. He participates all the time —without whining. And who doesn’t love that?!
Three additional adjectives used to describe Ronin are “caring, kind and obedient” — and we, at BGCC acknowledge these admirable traits as well. Diana Cariaga really appreciates that he “…works independently and helps others when in need.” Those are great life skills.
That’s not the only thing impressive about this 11 year old. He has a SuperPower: Imagination. And he believes “you can do pretty much anything.”
Way to go, Ronin!