Nearly 360 business leaders and youth advocates joined at the Seattle Sheraton Downtown Hotel recently for Boys and Girls Clubs of King County’s premiere youth recognition event: Youth of the Year. Mariana Espino, a member of the Wallingford Club, was named the winner.

“The judges wrestled with the tough decision as all 11 nominees are phenomenal teens who all show leadership, drive and have amazing character,” said Calvin L. Lyons, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. “I would like to congratulate Mariana Espino on being named King County’s 2015 Youth of the Year. She is an example to us all.”

In total, 11 exceptional teens — including Mares Ortiz of Federal Way — from Boys & Girls of King County’s branch Clubs competed for the title. Each candidate was judged on leadership qualities exhibited through service to the Club, community and family, their respective essays, life goals, values and moral character, academic success and poise and public speaking.

Mariana walked away with the winning title and a $2,000 education scholarship.

“The Boys & Girls Club has helped me become responsible, hard-working and respectful to others,” said Mariana, age 16. “I’ve learned how to express my feelings and ideas—and most importantly how to be a leader.”