By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — Jeremeh Dagdayan speaks with a level of maturity beyond his 17 years of age.

It may be because he was forced to grow up fast.

Dagdayan was raised in the Philippines by members of his extended family, often shuffling from one home to another in substandard living conditions.

“It was pure poverty. I had to sleep on the ground. Sometimes we didn’t eat because we didn’t have food,” he said. “We didn’t have washing machines there, so I had to wash my clothes by hand.”

Life here has been better, although not always easier. Now the Harlem High School junior juggles school and work, putting cash he earns toward paying rent at the place he stays with his older brother, all while chasing a dream of playing competitive esports.

He’s also found a home at the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, a place that helped him mature when he faced trouble transitioning to life in America after reconnecting with his parents and moving here at age 13. Now, while still a young adult, he’s taking his role as a mentor to other Boys Club youth seriously and serving as an inspiration to people here and across the state.

Related: Longtime Boys & Girls Club leader inducted into hall of fame

Dagdayan was recognized this spring by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as the Illinois Youth of the Year, a title that goes to some of the nation’s most inspiring young people. The program honors exemplary young people for their leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Even though he’s had a hard life — he’s had to work hard and he’s had to struggle — he’s not looking for handouts from anybody. He’s not expecting anything from anybody,” said Sheila Becker, director of the Carlson Unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, where Dagdayan is both a member and an employee. “And he has an attitude that he’s going to win. Whatever he puts his mind to, he’s going to be the best at it.”

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Dagdayan was initially interested in basketball when he arrived at the Carlson Unit of the Boys & Girls Club. Although his passion has switched to esports, something he hopes to help integrate into Harlem High School, he did find a mentor in coach Jordan DiMario. He also credits programs like Passport to Manhood, which focuses on character growth and maturity, and Money Matters, which promotes fiscal responsibility and independence, for helping him grow.

At the Carlson Unit, Dagdayan is often first in line to volunteer, Becker said. And whether it’s esports, or chess or the Youth of the Year competition, he’s pushing himself to be the best.

“Jeremeh is fighter. He works hard. He’s a leader,” Becker said. “He volunteers for everything. Anytime we have something going he’s always the first one there, willing to step in. He’s amazing.”

He also volunteers twice monthly at the local food pantry, something he was inspired to do because of his upbringing.

“I used to be very hungry, I’d go days without eating,” he said. “This is a way for people to not feel the same way as I did. I don’t want people to go hungry, I don’t want them to experience what I did.”

He reconnected with his parents and brother and sisters at age 13 before coming to America, and he now lives here with his 22-year-old brother. He said one day he wants to return to the Philippines to help people rise out of poverty.

“My bigger picture is to help people in the Philippines,” he said. “I know there are people worse off than me in the Philippines, and I want to give back to them.”

Dagdayan is also excelling in the classroom, earning a 3.8 grade-point average and a spot on the honor roll.

As the Illinois Youth of the Year, he will receive a $2,500 college scholarship. He’ll also compete in the Midwest regional event for the chance to earn more. And he’ll serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state.

“We are incredibly proud of Jeremeh,” said Chip Stoner, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Rockford. “Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. As the Illinois Youth of the Year, Jeremeh will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club kids and teens across the state who need more role models that they can admire and emulate.”

Youth of the Year

This summer, Dagdayan will vie for the Midwest regional Youth of the Year title against other state winners. If he wins that crown, he’ll be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship.

Five finalists from the Midwest competition, along with the National Military Youth of the Year, advance to the national event in Los Angeles in October.

The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.