Charlotte Area Teen Named “Youth of The Year” For Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club

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The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club announced today the winner of its 2019-20 Youth of the Year competition – Carly Rauch. Rauch is a senior at Weddington High School and a member and junior staffer/mentor at the Monroe Boys & Girls Club.

The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of American’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of its Club members. The local organization’s winner will go on to compete in the state competition, and if selected, regional and national competitions.

“Carly exemplifies the values we look for in our Youth of the Year. She’s a service-minded leader, she excels in the classroom and promotes a healthy lifestyle,” said David McQueen, area director of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Union County. “But, what impresses me most is how committed she is in serving as a mentor for the younger members at the Club. She pours into their lives and spreads kindness in our community. She’s an example for all of us.”

Proof of her great work came this past holiday season, as Rauch organized “Hope for the Holidays” – an event that provided Christmas gifts for all of the members of the Monroe Club.

“It’s important to do things like this because many of us are so fortunate,” she said. “I know many Boys & Girls Club members in our community come from difficult circumstances, so it’s an honor to be able to provide some gifts for them at Christmas.”

Being a member herself, Rauch knows the Monroe Club members personally and interacts with them regularly.

“I go to the Club because I want to be as much of a blessing to the kids as they are to me,” she said. “I have learned so much for the kids and their positive attitudes, despite the circumstances they might be in.”

Upon graduating, Rauch plans to attend the University of North Carolina or North Carolina State University and pursue a career in physical therapy. See below for more biographical information about Rauch.

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