Teen honored as ‘New Jersey Youth of the Year'
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Eighteen-year-old Jessica Navarro Davalos of Paterson was recognized at City Hall Tuesday, after recently being named the Boys & Girls Club's 'New Jersey Youth of the Year.'
'I was not born with privilege, but I was born with a purpose,' said Davalos, speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
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'I'm passionate about education, which is why I started my own non-profit when I was 16, called 'STARS NJ,'' said Davalos. 'It provides free tutoring resources for students all across the nation.'
The Boys & Girls Club's Youth of the Year award is a prestigious honor that requires a rigorous application process. Students must write a trio of essays and submit a cover letter and resume. In-person interviews involve presenting a three-minute speech from memory.
Davalos said she wrote one of her essays about personal growth and what she learned from competing in – but ultimately not winning – the Miss New Jersey Teen USA pageant.
This fall, Davalos is headed to Northeastern University's Oakland campus, where she plans to double major in Business Administration and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. Her long-term goals are centered around serving others.
'I want to go to law school, hopefully Harvard Law or UPenn Carey,' said Davalos. 'After that, I want to get involved with local politics…ultimately [becoming] a congresswoman just because I love AOC,' said Davalos. 'I've watched her since I was a kid and just aspire to be like her.'
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh honored Davalos's achievements at Paterson City Hall on Tuesday, and hopes her story serves as an inspiration to others.
'The City of Paterson is proud to celebrate one of our own for being a distinguished resident, not only of the city but of the State of New Jersey,' said Sayegh.
Davalos hopes for the same.
'This award wasn't just for me,' said Davalos. 'It wasn't just for the money. It was for Paterson. It was so other kids can see me do this and say hey, I can do that, too.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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