The Canyon Country Boys & Girls Club — Thomas E. Dierckman Clubhouse — came together on Wednesday evening to thank Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo for securing funds that upgraded the clubhouse.

The upgrades included the replacement of carpet, tile, and lighting in the Thomas E. Dierckman Clubhouse Teen Center, as well as new flooring, restroom renovations, and improved lighting that brightens and enhances the space.

The kids, thankful for the upgrades, made Assemblywoman Schiavo a giant thank-you card.

But Schiavo wasn’t the only one receiving recognition. She and the clubhouse crew also took the time to celebrate Site Director Araceli Arreola, who was a member of the Boys & Girls Club and was even named “Youth of the Year” in 2016 and 2017 for outstanding achievements and leadership.

At the time of earning the honor, Arreola was a student at Hart High School and regularly attended the Newhall Clubhouse. Each day, she could be found mentoring younger members and tutoring in the Learning Center. She acted as a team manager in the gym, helping to run the basketball and soccer leagues. Arreola also greeted members and helped parents at the front desk as they arrived, and she was hired by the city’s Youth Employee Service Program.

For her years of service and dedication to the Boys & Girls Club, Assemblywoman Schiavo presented Arreola with a certificate of recognition.

Assemblywoman Shiavo presents Site Director Araceli Arreola with a certificate of recognition.

“This is an example of people in our community who are paying it forward and being committed to our community,” said Shiavo.

Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club, Matthew Nelson, also took some time to honor Arreola.

“I’ve known Arreola since she was a member and a young kid coming to the club in Newhall, and I’m just so proud of her,” said Nelson.

One of Arreola’s biggest and most recent projects was helping organize the entire Haunted Jailhouse event at the SCV Sheriff’s Station, where hundreds of families were able to see the station in a unique way.

SCV Sheriff’s Captain Brandon Barclay also attended the event to thank Shiavo and the entire Boys & Girls Club staff for the difference they are making in the lives of local youth.

During the celebration, Barclay and other guests were given a tour of all the new amenities by a current Boys & Girls Club attendee.

During the tour, Barclay came upon banners of different universities that former Canyon Country Boys & Girls Club members have graduated from — and he spotted his alma mater, the University of San Diego.

SCV Sheriff’s Captain Brandon Barclay spots his alma mater, the University of San Diego.

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