CHICOPEE – On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Massachusetts will gather to recognize the best of the best. Their annual Youth of the Year Celebration will take place at Ludlow Country Club, beginning at 6pm. This event, sponsored by the 99 Restaurants, has become an anticipated night to celebrate the local Youths of the Year, the most prestigious recognition a Club member can achieve.
The 2016 Youths of the Year are:
- Delilah Hubeny – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield
- Madison Backer – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Berkshires
- Tyrese Downie – Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee
- Zachary Torres – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke
- Jordan Regadas – Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club
- Janiya Dixon – Springfield Boys & Girls Club
- Tessa Lombardi-Williams – Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield
- Tavian Vassar – Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
This year, we are honored to have State Senator Eric P. Lesser serve as our Master of Ceremonies. Senator Lesser, who represents three of the communities represented, has been a vocal advocate for all Boys & Girls Clubs in Massachusetts.
“Our Boys & Girls Clubs have helped develop new generations of strong and inspiring leaders,” Sen. Lesser said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the local Youth of the Year winners, who show us that the future of our community is in good hands.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported BGCA for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is committed to helping improve the quality of life in our communities, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring youth have access to a quality education. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix, a national education partner that has joined with BGCA to impact academic success among youth across the country, and the Taco Bell Foundation, BGCA’s premier partner for teen empowerment.
The winner of the State competition will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2016, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
