As a former foster child, MiraCosta College music student Russell Wilson has received from the Boys & Girls Club of America and he has given back.
That dedication is paying off in a big way. Wilson has won the title of San Diego County Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is on his way to compete for the statewide honor in Redwood City the week of May 19.
“I’m super excited,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s parents struggled at times, so he found solace at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vista. “It gave me a stable place to come after school,” Wilson said. “It gave me stability and provided me with a place that was free of the distractions I was getting at home.”
It also is where Wilson was introduced to karate, which would become a lifelong passion. Wilson has obtained a second-degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin-ryu and a first-degree black belt in Okinawan Kobudo, which is the weapons system of Okinawan martial arts.
When Wilson was moved to a foster home, his foster parents – who would later adopt him – encouraged him to continue his Boys & Girls Clubs activities. Shortly after he turned 18, Wilson began working at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vista teaching guitar and music appreciation, while running a rock band program.
“Russell is just an incredible person who has overcome a lot of obstacles in his life to get to where he is,” said Matt Koumaras, executive director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Vista, where Wilson has been a member since he was about 7. “The younger kids really look up to him. A lot of those kids are in the same spot he was in and see him as an inspiration.”
Koumaras is among Wilson’s biggest fans.
“He’s one of those really special kids who you could tell is very different than anyone else as soon as you meet him,” Koumaras said. “He’s just a really caring, selfless, confident individual.”
Wilson began playing the flute in his middle school band and plays a number of instruments, including steel drums and piano. He is earning a degree in music performance at MiraCosta and hopes to transfer next year to UC Santa Cruz or Cal State San Marcos to prepare for a career in teaching.
Wilson and other Boys & Girls Club winners will tour Sacramento to meet Gov. Jerry Brown and other state officials later in April before traveling to Redwood City in May to meet with eight others competing for the statewide Youth of the Year title. The event includes interviews, a public speaking element and essays. State winners receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions.
Five regional winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by President Barack Obama.
– From a news release by MiraCosta College
