VISTA
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For the past two years, Jesse Moreno-Fields has spent his afternoons at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, a place he likes because “it's a safe environment to hang out at.”
But Jesse does more than hang out. The 10-year-old helps kids with their homework, checks members into the club, helps organize game-room tournaments and sometimes answers the phone.
It was because of Jesse's desire to assume staff responsibilities that the Vista club followed the lead of many other Boys & Girls Clubs and established its own Leaders in Training program, which allows kids to take on adult tasks at the club.
“Now we have a bunch of younger kids who want to be a part of it because of Jesse,” said Matt Koumaras, executive director of the club.
Earlier this month, Jesse was named the club's Youth of the Year. The program honors members for their contributions to the club and their family, school and community.
“We look for people who are strong leaders, that kids look up to, who have positive character and make our programs happen,” Koumaras said. “It wasn't that much of a vote. Every staff person thought of Jesse immediately.”
Jesse will receive a plaque and a $500 college savings bond from the Cosh Family, who helped start the club. He will be honored at the Boys & Girls Club Have a Heart for Kids luncheon today. Humble, sweet and a bit shy, Jesse is mature beyond his years.
“He's only 10 years old, but I swear he acts like a 25-year-old,” Koumaras said.
Johnnie Johnson, membership coordinator at the club, said Jesse has stepped up to design T-shirts and fliers, be the master of ceremonies at events at the club and help promote fundraisers.
Johnson works on several projects with Jesse and other members of the Leaders in Training program.
“I back out and watch them from a distance to see how assertive they can be,” Johnson said. “He always comes up with great ideas of how they can help the club.
“Jesse has a warm, nurturing type of spirit, and it's amazing how he picks up on things you would think an adult would.”
Koumaras said kids at the club look up to Jesse and frequently go to him for advice.
“He's really a sounding board for them,” Koumaras said.
Jesse enjoys the role he plays.
“It makes me feel good because they can trust me,” Jesse said. “They can come talk to me ... if they need to talk.”
Leah Masterson: (760) 752-6754;
leah.masterson@tlnews.net
