Solana Beach teen picked as San Diego County Youth of the Year

Solana Beach teen Kyra Dominguez was picked as San Diego County Youth of the Year from nine finalists who stood out from all the teens attending the Boys & Girls Clubs in the San Diego area.

Kyra, 17, a junior at Torrey Pines High School, was recognized for her leadership, kindness, academic and athletic accomplishments and service to the community.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito nominates one exemplary teen member annually from each of its programs, including After School, Athletics, Aquatics, Youth Arts Academy and Bulldogs Basketball. Kyra was outstanding in the After School Program.

After winning the title of 2022 Youth of the Year at the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Clubs for her exemplary character, leadership and community service, Kyra was nominated by a panel of judges to represent San Diego County at the statewide Boys & Girls Club competition in Sacramento in March.

“Kyra is a very kind, sweet, self-driven, goal oriented, young individual. When I first got to know Kyra, I was amazed how mature and focused she was on all aspects of life. Kyra will always finish and reach any goal she sets her mind to. Kyra is a natural leader by example,” said Bosque Leanio, manager of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito’s Harper Teen Center, in his nomination letter.

“My staff and I always know we can count on Kyra to be there for her peers, for our organization and for her community wherever and whenever needed,” Leanio said.

Academically, Kyra is a high achiever and plans to attend college to study to be a clinical psychologist. She credits her parents for encouraging her to get a good education.

“My parents have instilled in me that the most important thing is my education. I am working hard every day to repay them for everything they have given me. I know the only way to accomplish this goal is through education,” Kyra wrote in her nomination essay.

Along with pursuing her studies, Kyra competes on the Torrey Pines women’s rugby team and loves to draw.

“Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawing things I admired or blatantly for fun. That was my initial passion, to make art that could make people smile or bring a sense of comfort to them,” Kyra said.

Kyra will pass the torch to the seven 2023 nominees for Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito’s Youth of the Year Celebration in July. The event, held during the Greatest Show on Turf at the Del Mar Racetrack, includes entertainment, dinner, music and dancing along with auctions. Registration for the event is at bgcsandieguito.org.