MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Julie
Member Since:
2024
Why Boys & Girls Club?
Julie is the youngest of four children. Her siblings have graduated from high school and both of her parents work—her mom at a local bank and her dad as a long-haul semi-truck driver. As the last child at home, Julie sometimes needed help with homework and the 21st CCLC program after-school program provides that support.
Achieving & Succeeding:
Julie’s 4th grade teacher during the day is also her after-school teacher, so she is able to make a seamless transition to assist Julie with with her homework, including extra help with reading. In the past school year, Julie has become more confident and is able to apply what she learns during the after-school program in her day school classroom. Her parents are grateful for program’s academic support and are proud of Julie’s achievements and her positive, bubbly attitude. They have seen many positive changes in Julie throughout this school year, including her unwavering dedication to reach her academic goals.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Character & Leadership
The Keystone Club has officially been chartered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Club members have chosen the name Keystone Hearts United, reflecting their dedication to leadership, service, and personal growth. This official recognition provides additional motivation to members to work toward their Club’s goals, including making a positive impact in their community.
The Keystone team members continue to meet regularly, actively engaging in valuable learning experiences such as community service projects, collaborative planning sessions, and skill-building activities that support both personal growth and team development. By selling various items in their business, they strive to make a profit, all in an effort to raise funds for their goal of attending the Keystone National Conference in Chicago this summer.
Their dedication extends beyond fundraising, as they have collectively earned over 200 volunteer hours this year by participating in community events and service projects. They recently attended the Cattle Drive event at Roberts Ranch, where they helped spread awareness about Keystone and the Boys & Girls Club. In addition to serving the community, they have also been volunteering at the Club, assisting younger members with homework help and support in elementary classrooms.
Additionally, they have been actively involved in our College and Career Readiness program at the club where they are focusing on building their resume and scholarship applications demonstrating their commitment to personal and community growth.
Programs in this core area include: Torch Club, Mr. & Mrs. Manners, Youth of the Year, Jr. Youth of the Year
Keystone Club at Cattle Drive event at Roberts Ranch.
College & Career Readiness
Juliana N., a senior from Naples, lives by the following motto: A closed door is just one knock away from opening.” And she has had the courage and strength to knock on a lot of doors by the time she turns 18:
- One of 13 in her household, Julianna will be the first in her family to attend college – enrolling in Columbia University, New York City, this fall.
- With a grade point average of 4.0, she ranks third in her graduating class of 324 at Lely High School.
- She had the highest SAT ranking in Critical Reading/Writing and Math as well as the highest ACT in Composite, among her Lely H.S. peers.
- She is an athlete participating in Varsity Tennis, Junior Varsity Basketball (serving as Captain), Volleyball and Weightlifting.
- She takes part in many school activities such as student government, DECA, and Junior ROTC.
- She was a Youth of the Year candidate at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, an honor reserved for youth with an outstanding dedication to leadership and service.
Juliana also thrived in the Boys & Girls Club’s “Money Matters: Make it Count” financial literacy program (sponsored by Charles Schwab Foundation), where she learned about the importance of budgeting, investing and saving. Recently, she was named Money Matters Ambassador and was presented with a $10,000 scholarship. On a personal note, she grew up with immigrant parents and a low household annual income and now manages her family’s budget. She also bought her first car—paying cash from earnings from her three jobs. Julianna’s well-deserved scholarship is an important achievement, allowing her to further her education. She plans to expand her interest in financial literacy when she majors in Financial Engineering at Columbia University.
Programs in this core area include: Career Launch, Diplomas 2 Degrees, Work-based Learning Programs, Great Futures VR, Life Hub
EVENTS & DATES
Thursday, October 3, 2025
at Nichols Club
Join us for Lights on Afterschool, a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. Free event for Club member families and Community Partners.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
at Fiddler’s Creek
Join us for our 22nd Annual FORE-the-Kids Golf Tournament and our famous 19th Hole After Party! Come and enjoy a day on the links FORE the kids! Sponsorships and limited tickets still available! Don’t delay.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
at Grey Oaks Country Club
Join us for the Great Futures Gala, an inspiring evening showcasing the impact of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. During our reimagined cocktail hour, members will share personal stories of transformation, leading up to the exciting announcement of our 2026 Youth of the Year. Sponsorships Available.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
at The Club at Mediterra
This women’s social and networking event will bring together outstanding community members for an incredible evening of great food, wine, generosity and connection. Sponsorships Available.
If you are interested in more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Martha Perez
Events & Corporate Relations Manager
mperez@bgccc.com
239-325-1716
