ATLANTIC CITY--- Cristal Millan, a 17 year old Atlantic City High School Junior, was honored this afternoon, for recently being named the 'Youth of the Year' for the state of New Jersey, by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

This afternoons ceremony took place in the Chelsea branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City -- where Millan has been a member for six years.

A state 'Youth of the Year' is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.

"...I didn't think I would win such a great honor like this, and I'm just proud to be such a great role model for all these kids, its just amazing," said Millan, surrounded by a number of family members.

The first ever state wide winner from Atlantic City, Millan received $22,500 in scholarships this afternoon, including a $20,000 check from Wal-Mart.

According to David Messier, Dir. of External Affairs for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Millan did not have an easy road growing up -- moving several times, and changing schools on a number of occasions, "....and yet she's managed to show remarkable resiliency in overcoming all of that and remaining positive."

A part-time employee at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Millan has consistently given up to 90% of her salary to her family, to help make-ends-meet.

This summer, Millan will complete against other state winners for the regional award. Regional winners advance to a national competition in Washington DC.