Sammamish girl was a finalist for Boys & Girls club youth award
February 17, 2010
By Christopher Huber
As a little girl, Madeleine Tobe used to set up a schoolhouse in her family’s garage and teach children from around her neighborhood.
She’s not sure if they learned anything substantive, the Sammamish resident said in a speech Feb. 8 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. But it fed her knack for working with peers and children.
Tobe, a sophomore at Eastside Catholic High School, was recognized as the Redmond/Sammamish Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. She was one of 11 youth recognized at the King County Youth of the Year Luncheon. She said she was completely surprised when she was asked to represent the local club late last fall.
“(I thought) ‘amazing,’” Tobe said. “I did not expect it at all. I’m honored the club would pick me.”
The winner, Jasmin Velazquez, of Wallingford, moves on to the state and potentially the regional and national levels. Tobe and the others each received a $500 educational scholarship, according to the Boys & Girls Club.
“This speaks to who she is,” said Betsy Bolton, Madeleine’s mother. “She connects with little kids and they look up to her.”
Tobe joined the organization in 2007 after Bolton encouraged her to give back to the community and volunteer with children, Tobe said. She also wanted to fulfill some of her community service credits at Eastside Catholic.
She began working one day a week in the after-school “Drop-In” program, organizing games, serving snacks and acting as a counselor for the younger children.
“I love being around kids that are so happy all the time,” Tobe said. “It sounded fun because I’ve always loved kids.”
Tobe and Bolton said Madeleine plans to continue her work with the Boys & Girls Club. Madeleine said she recently finished the Counselor In Training program and is set to be a summer camp counselor.
“She is just as reliable as a staff person,” said Andrew Hise, Teen Director at the Redmond/Sammamish club. “Self directed. She’s so confident and poised for a person her age,”
Choosing Tobe for local Youth of the Year was a no-brainer, Hise said. He approached her about it last fall on a day when she was struggling with the commitment, juggling many other activities.
“(I said) it’s gotta be her,” Hise said.
Even at age 16, Tobe has become “a tremendous role model” for the children, including some young teens, many of whom come from difficult home situations, Hise said.
“She embodies the club mission statement,” he said.
Tobe and her family said she has learned a lot since she began volunteering more than two years ago. People underestimate the power of doing little things for people, like playing a game or simply taking the time to listen. The little things are a big deal, she said.
“It’s never too late to make a difference,” Tobe said.
Reporter Christopher Huber can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com.
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