A Surprising & Rising Star 

Caydee never imagined that she’d find herself enjoying the spotlight. The fifth grader is quick to point out how painfully shy and soft-spoken she was when she was younger. But being part of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has given her the space and support to find her voice in the most unlikely of places: center stage. 

Caydee’s theatrical journey began in spring 2022, when her friends encouraged her to join them in the drama specialty club as part of the afterschool programming at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. Originally cast to be part of the chorus line in the Club’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” Caydee was much more of a wallflower. That is until the lead actress set to play Dorothy got sick. 

To the surprise of many, Caydee had memorized everyone’s lines including Dorothy’s. As the saying goes – the show must go on – and it did with Caydee stepping into the lead role where she dazzled on stage. The experience surprised her and left her wanting more. The next fall, when the drama Club voted to perform scenes from the beloved musical “Annie,” Caydee auditioned and earned the role she was dying to have. 

“Her rendition of Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ captivated everyone,” said Francisco Madriz, director of operations. “She nailed her performance, and we all got such a kick out of how naturally she played such a notorious antagonist, when in real life, she is one of the kindest and most considerate kids you’ll ever meet.” 

Caydee has been coming to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos since she was in first grade. From that once shy six-year-old, Caydee has blossomed into a confident young leader, who inspires her fellow Club members to be the best version of themselves. Her can-do spirit and natural leadership style earned her the prestigious recognition of being named the 2023 Junior Youth of the Year at the Jennifer Loscher Branch. 

“Every time I see the words ‘Be Great’ on the wall at the Club, it makes me smile,” said Caydee. “It reminds me that no matter what may have happened earlier in my day, I can make it a great day at the Club – and I do. I am able to express myself in such positive ways here – it’s like my second home.” 

Next month, Caydee will star as the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull in scenes from “Matilda, the Musical,” which she will perform for the youth and families at the Jennifer Loscher Branch. The character Agatha Trunchbull’s nasty disposition could not be more different than Caydee’s. 

Specialty clubs, like the drama club, offer an opportunity for members to explore new activities and interests in a fun and supportive small group over the course of 8-10 weeks. Led by our passionate Youth Development Professionals, the themes and topics run the full gamut from baking and robotics, to music, soccer, candle making, STEM Club, animation, drama, and so much more. There has even been a specialty club dedicated to mastering Dungeons and Dragons. 

While drama is certainly among Caydee’s favorite specialty clubs she has been part of over the years, her all-time favorite has been the seashell club. But don’t let the name confuse you, it was a baking club that the youth members renamed the seashell club. 

Whether it’s making the most delicious batch of cookies, practicing dribbling maneuvers in soccer club, or running her lines in drama, Specialty Clubs have given Caydee the opportunity to express her creativity and discover new hobbies that she may have previously never considered before. 

“To me, being a Club kid means you’ll always have a place that’s there for you,” said Caydee. “This is a place where you can truly express yourself and learn new things, but also have a ton of fun at the same time!” 

Connect with Us 

Interested in seeing our spring showcase at our Jennifer Loscher Branch Clubhouse next month? Contact events@boysgirlsclubsm.org for more details.