Esmeralda M., an 8th grade student at Emerson Middle School, was recently awarded the Ford Junior Youth of the Year. She received this honor along with a laptop, laptop case, t-shirt, and a certificate from Assemblyman Rudy Salas at a graduation celebration for the 11 Junior High and Middle School Boys & Girls Club sites (and traditional club sites) that participated in the Ford Junior Youth of the Year for 2018-2019. Each site had 20 to 25 students attend the event.
In 2017, Ford Motor Company Fund launched the “Ford Junior Youth of the Year” initiative in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs and local Ford dealers throughout Southern California, with Jim Burke Ford Lincoln representing Bakersfield. The recipient of this award must demonstrate leadership and service at school, home or with family, and show academic achievement, with consideration given to any physical, social, or emotional obstacles overcome during the 2018-2019 school year.
