Gabriel Martinez - Chandler branch Youth of the Year.
Gabriel Martniez lives amongst gangs, drugs and violence daily in a Chandler housing project. "It's a tough neighborhood," said the San Tan Academy senior. "A couple weeks ago there was a shooting."

He got away from the violence by playing basketball and participating in summer day camps at the Boys and Girls Club across the street. Now he works at the Chandler Boys and Girls Club as a game room director, keeping the kids happy by playing foosball, pool and air hockey with them. He also is vice president of the Keystone Club, a leadership club that does fund-raisers and community service.

To recognize his work, Martinez has been named the Chandler branch Youth of the Year.

"It means a lot to me," Martinez said. "It's not only a positive thing, but a privilege. It gives me a chance to be a role model and it looks good when I'm applying for jobs."

Terry Kling, the Chandler branch teen director, said Martinez is an "outstanding young man."

"He's a really good role model," Kling said. "He really cares about the community and wants to make a difference."

For the award, Martinez had to get 20 letters of recommendation, write two essays, and speak before judges. Now he will compete against six other youth for the East Valley Youth of the Year, which will be announced Wednesday. That winner then goes on to compete for state, regional, and national Youth of the Year.

Scott Detherage, a youth program director for the Chandler Housing and Redevelopment Division, has worked with Martinez and his family for 10 years through the Housing Youth Project.

"The decisions he's made, it's shown in the younger youth," Detherage said. "They all look up to him big time. They always ask him for advice."

Martinez, who has five brothers and a sister, plans to attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College. He wants a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation so he can work for the Boys and Girls Club.

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