Christian Rodriguez, a junior at Coronado High School, has been selected the 2010 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.

The Youth of the Year program has been an integral part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 60 years and is the highest honor given to members of the organization. Finalists are chosen based on their dedication to the Club, community and family, academic performance, moral character, life goals, leadership, poise and public-speaking ability.

As the 2010 Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Rodriguez will represent the organization at the state competition in April. The state winner will advance to the Pacific Region competition. Then, five regional finalists will vie for the national title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2010 Youth of the Year.

Rodriguez has been a member of the Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch, located in Scottsdale, for the past four years. During that time, he has participated in many programs including Building Unique Development Skills (BUDS), a mentoring program where he is partnered with a youth and serves as a positive role model. He is the current vice president of his branch’s Keystone Club.

His career goals including attending college and pursuing a career in the medical field. Rodriguez will receive a $5,000 scholarship from General Dynamics C4 Systems.