The Hyland Teen Center following its grand opening in January. (File photo)

On Jan. 22, the Kyle Hyland Foundation raised enough money to open up the Benicia Teen Center, a designated teens-only zone that’s hard to come by in small towns like Benicia. The foundation, created in honor of Kyle Hyland, a Benicia High School junior who died by suicide when he was 16 years old, aims to establish a safe space for kids to hang out and be themselves. I visited the center through an event it hosted for the Interact Club, and I was so impressed with the place, and those that ran it, that I was signed up as a volunteer the very next day.
As a fellow teenager, I know how we can be turned off by events or services aimed at “relating” to youth. I firmly believe that there is the urge to rebel embedded in the DNA of all adolescents. It’s the same force that drives us to ignore our mom’s pleas to bring a sweatshirt on cold days, even though we know they’re right (I learned that one the hard way). Because of this quirk in the teenage brain, I was skeptical before I visited the Teen Center, convinced that adults would never be able to format an informal setting that teenagers would actually feel comfortable in. So I have to give credit to the Teen Center, and those that designed it, for proving me wrong.
The Teen Center is set up a lot like a living room, with couches, a TV, and even a small kitchen, giving it a very cozy feel. The space felt homey, and I especially admired the little details, like the twinkling lights around the windows and the shelves brimming with books and board games. The best part of the center, however, is that there’s something there for everyone: a stage with surround sound for the music lovers, a TV area stocked with video games for the gamers, and a study space with Chromebooks and school supplies for the scholars. There are added perks, too, like free Wi-Fi, inexpensive snacks, and best of all, a membership price of $0.
The school year, especially for upperclassmen, can get pretty busy, and the Teen Center takes into account students’ schedules with the flexibility of its hours. From Monday through Friday, it operates from after school until 6:30 p.m. And on the Fridays it offers special events, like cookie-decorating, game competitions, tie-dye days, and karaoke nights, its hours extend until 8 p.m.
To attract more students, the center has begun to collaborate with school-run clubs and organizations. It has held study sessions for Interact, and just last Friday it partnered with the Gender Equality Club to present a documentary on the impact of sexual harassment and bullying titled “Audire and Daisy.” The Teen Center is also considering incorporating more services, like tutoring and student forums, to cater to students’ more specific needs.
Through its inviting atmosphere, promising amenities, and never-ending opportunities for entertainment, the Teen Center definitely lives up to its slogan as “your home away from home.” I commend the dedication of the Kyle Hyland Foundation, the generosity of the Gateway Church for donating the space, and the hard work of all the volunteers. Students at Benicia High are truly privileged to have a place as versatile and accessible as the Teen Center.
Whether you need volunteer hours for leadership, a quiet place to study, or have a few hours to spend with friends, the Teen Center has got you covered, and I hope all students at BHS fully utilize the opportunities the center provides. And for the adults and parents out there, I encourage all of you to volunteer, donate, or even just tell a friend, in order to keep the center as a safe place for our youth. For more information about the Benicia Teen Center and the Kyle Hyland Foundation, visit kylehyland.com, and find it on Facebook at Facebook.com/kylehylandfoundation/.

Sharing is caring!