Redwood City teen named 'Youth of the Year'

Ontiveros grew up in Redwood City. The youngest of three children, she attended Hoover Elementary and described herself as a little nerdy. She always worked hard to finish work early and help others.

After school Ontiveros would go to the Boys and Girls Club, just a couple blocks from her house. There was a gap in her attendance when her family moved from the neighborhood to downtown for a short number of years.

Ontiveros began attending Sequoia High School and returned to the club, following a family move. The studious youth was attracted to Sequoia for its International Baccalaureate program. Entering it was intimidating to Ontiveros who was one of the few Latinas. That intimidation subsided when Ontiveros realized everyone was nice and the staff was supportive.

Ontiveros began volunteering at the club after school. At 16, she was offered a job on the teen staff. At 17, she was working with kids in the SuccessMaker course, helping children work on math and reading skills. Ontiveros then meets with parents to give progress reports. When Ontiveros turned 18 last month, she was offered a part time position. She has her own desk and is proud to be the youngest one at the club offered such responsibility.

"I enjoy it. When a kid struggles with math, you help them. And they get so happy when they get it,” she said.

She has two classes of about 13 children grades first through eighth that meet two times per week. Ontiveros sees herself as privileged to have the option to help these youngsters.

Ontiveros was a bit hesitant to go through the process for the Youth of the Year since deadlines were about the same as college applications. Going for it meant Ontiveros learned a valuable lesson: Time management.

"I never took it as I need to win. I learned so much,” she said noting the opportunity to talk in front of a crowd and tell her story.

As her high school experience begins to come to an end, Ontiveros plans to attend a four-year school to study communications in hopes of becoming a journalist and return to Redwood City to somehow help the neighborhood in which she grew up. Going to college would be another accomplishment for Ontiveros, who would be the first in her family to go to college.

Participating in a variety of Boys and Girls Club programs have helped in that process. But Ontiveros was quick to note the staff at the club, Sequoia High, her family and best friends have all been supportive in her efforts to be successful.

"We are so proud of Clarisa and look forward to hearing about her bright future,” said Peter Fortenbaugh, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.