Willow Creek 8th grader named Rochester's Youth of the Year

A Rochester teen has been recognized for “exemplifying outstanding leadership, responsibility, and character” — and she will now get to represent the Med City against youth like her from across the state.

Galilea Hernandez, an eighth-grader at Willow Creek Middle School, was named the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester’s Youth of the Year this week. She will move on to the state competition in March, where one person will be selected to represent the state in the Midwest regional competition.

“I felt very proud of myself in the moment that they announced me as Youth of the Year for 2020,” said Hernandez. “Being Youth of the Year means I am someone that inspires and motivates others, both older and younger. Boys & Girls Club of Rochester is a place for everyone, no matter why you come here there’s something for everyone here.”

Hernandez and the other candidates were tested through written essays, public speaking, and interviews with a panel of judges that turned out to be a who’s who of Rochester — including Mayor Kim Norton, Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, and Rochester School Board Member Dr. Jean Marvin.

“All [candidates] made a point of speaking about the people and organizations — especially the Boys and Girls Club — that helped empower them to make decisions to become leaders and role models in their community,” said Marvin. “Ms. Hernandez, as we discovered, is a talented writer and speaker with limitless enthusiasm, optimism and empathy. She will do a fantastic job representing Rochester at the state competition.”

Boys & Girls Club has held the Youth of the Year competition since 1947. Five finalists from across the country are selected to compete in the national final every summer, with the winner being named America’s Youth of the Year.

Isaac Jahns is a Rochester native and a 2019 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. He reports on politics, business and music for Med City Beat.