Youth of the Year
Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States honor one local youth as their “Youth of the Year.” Candidates are outstanding members, 14 to 18 years of age, who exhibit exceptional leadership skills, academic achievement, and outstanding service to Club and community. Past winners have included Evelyn Ortiz, James Bodian, and Spencer Gordon.
From the youth who are nominated, only a few will be selected. Finalists will be interviewed, and asked to write essays on their home and family life, spiritual values, school and community, and life goals. A panel of judges will make the final decision. Local winners will compete against other Boys & Girls Club youths for the state “Youth of the Year” title.
Junior Youth of the Year
Starting in 2020, The Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich is excited to recognize an outstanding member of the Club with the “Junior Youth of the Year” award. The Junior Youth of the Year program fosters Club members’ emerging leadership abilities while preparing them for later participation in the Youth of the Year program. It cultivates members leadership potential and provides a needed foundation for advanced leadership development and academic success. The Junior Youth of the Year recognition program, is presented to one outstanding youth. The recipient is selected based on their character, willingness to help, and positive attitude. They show dedication to character and citizenship, living a healthy lifestyle and to academic success.
The Junior Youth of the Year title is a prestigious Club honor, and the winner exemplifies Boys & Girls Club values and is proof of the impact the Club is make on transforming young people lives. Past winners have included Sophia Pavlovic and Max Lapidus.
Our 2024 Youth of the Year has been announced!
Congratulations to:
Will Bodian
Our 2023 Youth and Junior Youth of the Year:
Marilyn Ramos: Youth of the Year
Emmanuel Arango: Junior Youth of the Year
Our 2022 Youth and Junior Youth of the Year:
Max Lapidus: Youth of the Year
James Ortiz: Junior Youth of the Year
Congratulations to:
Will Bodian
Our 2023 Youth and Junior Youth of the Year:
Marilyn Ramos: Youth of the Year
Emmanuel Arango: Junior Youth of the Year
Our 2022 Youth and Junior Youth of the Year:
Max Lapidus: Youth of the Year
James Ortiz: Junior Youth of the Year
