Teen Changes Lives One Step At A Time

By Angela Holman, Today's Local News

Mature. Reliable. Caring. Funny. Alexandra Meeks, 13, possesses several qualities that earned her the accolade of Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad's La Costa Branch.

Alexandra, an eighth-grader at Aviara Oaks Middle School in Carlsbad, has been a member of the club for five years. In September, Alexandra created a dance program at the la Costa branch. She also runs the snack shop, helps kids with their homework and often assists staff.

"She's a good role model for some of the younger members to emulate," said Jim Salvia, director of the La Costa branch. "She shows kids through example that there are a lot of things they can do here and they can be what they want to be." Salvia nominated Alexandra for Youth of the Year. She received a $500 scholarship and was honored at the club's annual recognition dinner in late January.

Salvia said Alexandra was the best choice to be the branch's 2006 Youth of the Year because she is a leader and he can always count on her. "She sets herself apart from the other 13- and 14-year-olds who come here," he said. Salvia said Alexandra was the first club member who had ever presented him with a proposal for an entire program. She approached him about creating a dance class, which she teaches on Friday afternoons.

Alexandra choreographed a hip-hop routine that her dance students performed at the recognition dinner. She came up with matching outfits for the girls to wear and spoke with their parents beforehand to make sure the girls would be able to attend the event.

"I think it's a great program," said Susanne Parlade, whose 9-year-old daughter, Paula, takes Alexandra's class. "It really makes the kids want to be at the club. Before it was like, 'Oh, I have to be there.' Now it gives them a purpose. They're not just there doing homework."

The girls in Alexandra's class said they learn different dances each week and play games, such as freeze dancing. I'm glad she started it because we never had anything that fun before, said 10-year-old Amber McFadden. "Alex is a really good dancer. She knows like every dance move." Katelyn Lee, 10, said she hadn't taken dance lessons before because her mother couldn't afford it, but now she gets to learn how to dance for free, so she's happy Alexandra started the program. "She's always looking out for everyone. She's always helping us with stuff," Katelyn said.

Taking a break from twirling jump ropes for a group of kids, Alexandra said she created the program because she wanted to involve girls in an activity that includes exercise. "I wanted to make it more enjoyable for them to come to the club and to look forward to performing," she said. Although Alexandra has given a lot to the club, she said she has also gained a lot. "It's given me a place to go when I needed someone to talk to," she said. "It's awesome they have this club running. All of the people here are supportive."

Alexandra has been singing and performing since she was 4, but now her main priority is school. She has a 4.0 grade point average and plans to study architecture or engineering in college. Her dad, Lamont, said he hears other parents talking about what they're going through with their teenagers and feels blessed because he doesn't have those problems with Alexandra. "I'm overjoyed she was named Youth of the Year," he said. "I'm really proud."

Ron Sipiora, chief professional officer of the club, said Youth of the Year is the highest honor a member can receive from the Boys & Girls Clubs. "These are kids who make a difference in the lives of all of the people involved in their lives," he said.