By Lookout Staff

February 7, 2012 -- David Ramirez overcame a number of challenges, including obesity, low self-esteem and a lack of academic focus, to become the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica's 2011 Youth of the Year.

The award for "his outstanding contributions of service to the Club and his community, and his exceptional leadership among his peers" was presented in front of more than 350 guests at the 44th Annual Youth of the Year Awards Celebration & Banquet Saturday.

Rob Schwenker, President of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica; David Ramirez, and Club CEO Aaron Young. (Photo by Fabian Lewkowicz)

Ramirez, a 17 year-old senior at Santa Monica High School, was chosen from among four finalists. He will serve as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s youth spokesperson in the community, club officials said.

"David is a shining example of a young person who has made outstanding contributions to the Club and his community and has overcome many obstacles to become the leader he is today," said Aaron Young, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club. "He is a living proof that great futures start here, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica.”

Ramirez is actively involved in both the Pacific and Main Branches at the club and participates in a number of programs including CollegeBound, Keystone and Leaders in Training. He hopes to attend USC and one day become CEO of a Boys & Girls Club.

Ramirez has a "burning need to succeed" and "is motivated by the need to pave a smoother path for his younger sister and make his hard-working parents proud," club officials said in a statement.

Ramirez will compete in March for LA County Youth of the Year – with the potential to move on to State, regional and national competitions – and will be eligible for scholarships, club officials said.

Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., to compete for the title of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National YOY. The national winner will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 and will meet the President of the United States in an Oval Office ceremony.