Youth of the Year

In each of our Clubhouses, program staff encourage and support all Club members they serve. Through this nurturing environment, many develop sound character, leadership abilities and the willingness to give back to their community. These are the qualities that make a Youth of the Year. They are also some of the most important qualities young people need to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

The Youth of the Year program, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier character and leadership initiative, recognizes outstanding contributions to a Club member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club: as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

Local Youths of the Year are chosen at our Portland, South Portland, Auburn/Lewiston and now Riverton Park Clubhouses to compete at the state level, the winner of the state title goes on a regional competition, culminating in five regional winners meeting in Washington, D.C., to compete for the National Youth of the Year honor.

Since the program's inception in 1947, each National Youth of the Year has met with the President of the United States to formally accept the award and begin a one-year term as the teen spokesperson for all Boys & Girls Club members.

The young people who earn recognition as Youth of the Year are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs make positive impacts on children and teens. Indeed, there is no stronger testimony that GREAT FUTURES START HERE at Boys & Girls Clubs.

Visit BGCA's website for more info on the National Youth of the Year.

2012 LOCAL YOUTHS OF THE YEAR

	Crystal Archibald, Age 18 Riverton Park Clubhouse Club member for 5 years After her parents divorced when she was seven, Crystal went through a period of self guilt. She learned to cope, and when her mother faced traumatic health complications and three major surgeries, Crystal learned how to fend for herself while taking care of herself and her mother. Today, Crystal is a major volunteer and mentor at two Clubhouses, swims competitively at school, is captain of the softball team and earns honor role status four years running.
Mohammed Awale, Age 17 Portland Clubhouse Club member for 5 years Mohammed has a strong sense of moral character. He immigrated to the U.S. as a child. He traveled with his mother while his father stayed in Nairobi. With no father present, he became a father figure to his younger brothers at an early age. His mother made it clear that his actions would set an example. He often serves as translator for his mother and other family members. At the Club, Mohammed manages the Fitness Center for teens, helps guide tours of the Club and has spoken at Alumni & Board meetings.
	Roger Charest, Age 17 Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse Club member for 7 years Roger has very high morals and standards about how he feels people should be treated. A great deal of this comes from his personal experience in the past, being bullied by kids at school. His involvement with the Club and experience for the past three summers as a Counselor in Training had a lot to do with who Roger is today. At the Club, Roger is involved with many programs and continues to be a role model and mentor for young members.
Christine McAloon, Age 17 South Portland Clubhouse Club member for 11 years Christine is the youngest of five children, and her parents divorced when she was three. The Club has been a second home to her and her siblings growing up. As a young member, Christine took part in many of the Arts programs including drama, chorus, fine arts and photography. Today, she's a leader in hiking, swimming, cheerleading and Running Club. She's also one of few young ladies that became involved with the Robotics program at her Clubhouse. Christine aspires to make honor roll in school from now until she graduates next year.

2011 Local Youths of the Year: Club teens Asonta (Portland),
Roger (Auburn/Lewiston) and Tammisa (South Portland)

Asonta walked through our doors and became a member the day she was old enough to attend the Portland Clubhouse. Ten years later, she continues to complete homework at the Clubs and enjoys the Teen Room, basketball and Cooking Club. She is a great leader among peers and younger members.

Roger has been a Counselor in Training for the past three years at the Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse. He is great with assisting staff and loves the Photography Club. He considers the Clubhouse his second home.

To Tammisa, the Club means a safe place to chill with her friends, a place to learn and a place to help others. She says staff help and teach Club members to aspire to become great students and individuals.

Sumaya Mohamed 2010
Portland Clubhouse

Mohamed has been an active member of the Portland Clubhose for the past four years. She has been a volunteer at the Riverton Clubhouse for over a year helping younger members to read, do their homework and play games. She will graduate from Deering High School in 2010 and plans to attend college and perhaps medical school in the future.

Ashley Ross 2010
South Portland Clubhouse

Ross has been an active member of the South Portland Clubhouse for twelve years. She has volunteered at the Club, assisted in fundraising projects and is an active participant in many programs. She will graduate from South Portland High School in 2010 and will attend St. Joseph's College in the Fall with the hopes of becoming an educator.

Roger Charest 2010
Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse

Charest has been an active member of the Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse for the past five years. He volunteers at the Club, helps out at the Good Shepherd Food Bank and his school. Roger has served the past two summers as a Counselor in Training during summer camp at the Club. He is an avid amateur photographer and hopes to become a professional photographer.

Shawna Albert 2009
Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse

Albert has been an active member of the Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse for the past eight years. She has helped staff run programs and tutored members, she has also worked with staff to develop a small group discussion for younger girls. She graduated from Edward Little School and will attend the University of New England-Westbrook in the fall where she plans to pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

Ashley Ross 2009
South Portland Clubhouse

Ross has been an active members of the South Portland Clubhouse for eleven years. She volunteers as a "bus buddy" and chaperones members taking the public bus afterschool to the Club. She helps staff prepare and distribute snacks daily, helps with special events and community service activities; tutors younger members in the Learning Center and mentors younger members. She has aspirations of attending college to pursue a career as an educator.

Michee Jean 2009
Portland Clubhouse

Jean was an active member of the Portland Clubhouse for seven years. During her time at the Club she was involved with many programs and volunteereed to assist younger members in the arts and learning center. Virginia Doss, Individual and Group Services Director said that "Michee's involvement in the community and volunteer work attest to her high level of moral character. She is constantly involved with organizations that are doing positive things for the community." Jean graduated from Portland High School tand plans to attend college to pursue a career as a psychologist or judge.

Briana DiDonato 2008
Portland Clubhouse

DiDonato was an active member of the Portland Clubhouse for ten years. She can often be found planning Club events; leading community service activities; tutoring younger members in the Learning Center; or helping staff at the busy front desk. Her passions for helping others and for education have inspired her to consider a career in teaching. DiDonato graduated from Portland High School in June and attends the University of Southern Maine.

Megan McLeod 2008
South Portland Clubhouse

McLeod was an active member of the South Portland Clubhouse for seven years. She is a compassionate person who enjoys helping others, which is evident in the various ways she lends a hand around the Club. Because of her passion for both art and cooking, McLeod hopes to one day open a coffee shop/art studio in the Old Port. McLeod graduated in June from South Portland High School and attends Southern Maine Community College.

Past Youths of the Year

Omar, 2006

Activities and Accomplishments:
Omar has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs for the past seven years. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the International Club at his school. At the Club, he participated in many activities, and has received recognition as the ping-pong champion and as a participant in the computer program. Omar was recognized as Peer Leader in an after school program in his community. Omar's leadership of younger Club members earned him a job at the Riverton Extension Club, where he has done an excellent job connecting with the kids.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The Club seemed like a second home to me. When my mother was at work I would come to the Club for an afternoon shelter... If it wasn't for the Club, I wouldn't have been where I am right now."

Katrina, 2006

Activities and Accomplishments:
The Club has not only been her second home for the past six years, but a place to go where she can feel appreciated, respected, and cared for. She has participated in numerous programs such as Torch Club, Smart Girls, and Keystone where she helped raise money for the Tsunami relief fund, raised money for the ALS organization, and participated in numerous other fundraisers. Katrina helps out around the Club by answering the phone, mentoring younger members, and supervising tournaments.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The Boys and Girls Club means a lot to me. It is my home away from home. The Club has helped me by teaching me things a girl needs to know in Smart Girls, to learning to work with a team in Torch Club, to becoming a leader and a good person in Keystone. The Club is everything to me and I am happy to be a member. All of my life I have dreamed of going to college and making something of myself. Everything that I have ever wanted- or wanted to be since I was younger needed a college education."

Shawna, 2006

Activities and Accomplishments:
Shawna first came to the Boys & Girls Club of Auburn/Lewiston at the age of 9. At the Club, she has been involved in several community service projects, including raising funds to help the children of the Tsunami disaster. Shawna held the role of President of the Torch Club. One of the highlights of the service this group offered to the Club was to institute healthy snacks. It was at this point that Shawna led the group in research and follow through menus to serve these healthy snacks in an effort to start change in our Club.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"Ifind that this Club means more than words can describe....I think of the friends that I have made, the staff that is like family to me, and how these things make it like my second home."

Kayleigh, 2005

Activities and Accomplishments:
Kayleigh, a member of her Club for ten years, is a very dedicated member of Keystone, 4-H and her school. Kayleigh is particularly empathetic toward those who have had a serious illness, and she has worked to raise funds for the local hospital and the illness-related causes. As a result of Kayleigh's work with younger Club members, she has decided to pursue a career in teaching.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The staff and members at the Club have always made me feel welcome with their generosity and openness…they always want the best for their Club members. Their support always makes someone's bad day go into a good day."

Mark, 2005

Activities and Accomplishments:
Mark has been a member of the Club for seven years. During that time, he has become increasingly involved in his community through the American Cancer Society, a local soup kitchen. At the Club, Mark is the president of the newly formed Teen Council, and plays an active role in supervising activities for younger members. Mark has had to work very hard to overcome obstacles as he continues toward his life goals, which include a college education.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The Boys & Girls Club means everything to me…because of the caring staff members, because of the love that I feel surrounding me, because of the friendships that are long lasting..."

Brittany, 2004

Activities and Accomplishments:
Brittany has overcome great difficulty in her life to become a successful young person with vision and determination for her future. Although she moved many times in her life, her perseverance has allowed her to maintain excellent grades, and seek stable and healthy friendships. As a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Portland for ten years, Brittany has been president of Torch Club, secretary of Keystone Club, and participated in various programs including Swimming, Photography, Teen Nights, and Beach Clean-Up. An honor roll student at Portland High School, Brittany has been involved in many curricular and extracurricular activities including: the National Young Leadership Conference; Civil Rights Team at Portland High School; Junior Classical League (Latin Club); and the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The Clubs' faith in me has given me the motivation to set high standards for myself, and the ambition to achieve the goals I set. They've helped me to accept my failures as learning experiences. They let me be me."

Kayleigh, 2004

Activities and Accomplishments:
Kayleigh has been a member of the South Portland Boys & Girls Club since she was eight years old. In that time, she has participated in a number of programs, but Kayleigh's overall attribute to the Club is her positive outlook on life. When she walks through the door everyday, you know she is going to do whatever you ask of her. She has been a member of Torch Club, Smart Girls, Keystone Club, and Chorus to name a few programs. Kayleigh helps other Club members realize their full potential as she participates in our Performing Arts Program.

"What the Club Means to Me"
At the Club, I feel I have a place that is safe for me to go. Whenever I feel bad I know I can talk to any of the faculty and they would give me great advice. I am very appreciative for that. The Club is like my second home because I am here all the time and because I have a close connection with the staff. This Club has given me a special place in my heart that will never be replaced. I have met many new people and with all of this I have many memories that will last for a lifetime.

Andrew, 2004

Activities and Accomplishments:
Andrew has made a remarkable transformation in his life, all in the face of difficulty in school, facing family crises, death of a sibling, and uncertainty of his future. With the help of Club staff, Andrew developed the skills necessary to begin to overcome problems and choose a path of success. As a member of the Auburn/Lewiston Boys & Girls Club for 5 years, Andrew was part of an initiative to reach out to the Somali community by taking on the role of basketball coach at the Club. Andrew has also been involved as a member of the Torch and Keystone Clubs, and most significantly, helped launch sports tournaments for younger Club members where there was a gap in staff coverage.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"…this was an opportunity to be a part of something great. Here we would come to realize how important teamwork was as well as how important we were as individuals… I look back at my life and realize that I have gone through a lot of bumps, I have tripped and fallen as well. However, the Boys & Girls Club has been the one thing that gave me the incentive to stand up, brush myself off, and continue."

Vera, 2003

Activities and Accomplishments:
Vera has been a member of the Portland Boys & Girls Club for four years. In recognition of her contribution as a leader and role model to the younger members, she was selected Member of the Year in 2002. At the Club, Vera keeps busy primarily with swimming, art activities, and Keystone Club. She is a talented artist, having had three pieces achieve the national level in the Fine Arts Exhibit. Her strong faith guides her in making everyday decisions and setting personal goals. She plans to study photography in college.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The Club has a special place in my heart. Whenever I was having a hard time, or just needed to talk, I knew I could turn to the staff at the Club… I won't forget that it was because of the Boys & Girls Club that I have made it this far."

Josh, 2003

Activities and Accomplishments:
A member of the South Portland Club for 11 years, Josh is a well-rounded and active young man. Although heavily committed outside the Club these days, he answers the call whenever asked to represent the Club at a function. He is an excellent student, member of the varsity football and lacrosse teams, and accomplished trumpet player. He is also an EMT-B and volunteers on his town's Student Rescue Team. Josh plans to become a doctor.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The best thing one can do for themselves is to do the best they can in whatever they do; to never sell themselves short. The Club has taught me that along with a plethora of other life skills and lessons."

Aimee, 2003

Activities and Accomplishments:
Joining seven years ago as a charter member, Aimee continues to be active at the Auburn/ Lewiston Club, particularly in arts and crafts, field trips and special events. She is one of the original members of the Torch Club and now greets members at the front desk. She is a solid student and helps younger members in the Learning Center. Aimee has been highly involved in community service activities, including working in a local nursing home and assisting at fundraising events.

"What the Club Means to Me"
"The Club cheers me up everyday. I still look forward to going there. I always feel welcome and wanted. The Club builds up a lot of my social skills and gives me a good chance to succeed."