Area Council News

2008 “State Youth of the Year”

2008 State "Youth of the Year" Edgardo Rivera with the Speaker of the House Mr. James Amann

Edgardo has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford since he was 10 years old.  He views the Club as his second home, saying, "I genuinely feel indebted to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford for everything they have provided me."  In addition to excelling in the classroom, Rivera is the President of Teens I.N.C. Keystone Club and a Youth Development Professional at the Parkville Boys & Girls Club.  Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently recognized Rivera as the recipient of the Charles Schwab Money Matters Scholarship for placing second in the nation for his financial literacy skills.

Rivera also received the Maria C. Sanchez Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement and significant contributions to the Hispanic Community.  In addition to holding various leadership positions with the Club, Rivera was recently appointed a Youth Commissioner for the City of Hartford and one of 10 teens on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Teen Advisory Council.  Rivera is looking forward to the fall where he will begin his freshman year at the University of Hartford to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a Civil Engineer.

2008 National “Youth of the Year”

Meet Demetrice Tuttle 2007-2008 National "Youth of the Year"

Demetrice Tuttle, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of West Georgia, appreciates and understands his purpose in life.  From a young age, he had a desire to set a positive example for others.  When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, Tuttle rose to the occasion by helping take care of his younger brother and household duties.  He knew then that he was destined to be a leader.

Tuttle joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Georgia and continued to flourish as a determined young leader.  He became president of the Keystone Club, leading his peers in various clean-ups and community rallies.  Tuttle also developed his love of helping others through speech and performance.  This resulted in several speaking opportunities at the Club and United Way special events and appearances on local TV programs. He served as a Junior Staffer, Power Hour tutor and mentor to at-risk teens in the REAL to Reel Teen Talk Show.  Through this show, Tuttle encouraged teens to graduate from high school and pursue a college education.

Tuttle graduated from Troup County High School in 2007, where he was involved in Student Council, Drama Club and the Academic Bowl Team.  Because of his exemplary grades and behavior, the principal chose Tuttle to be manager for the school's supply store and to mentor younger students.  Tuttle is pursuing a degree in political science at LaGrange College, in hopes of furthering his commitment to public service.

In September 2007, Tuttle, along with four other "Youth of the Year" finalists, met President George Bush in the Oval Office as the first of many official duties as teen spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs.

2007 “Youth of the Year”

For 60 years, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has proudly sponsored Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year Program, a character and leadership awards program that recognizes outstanding Club members for their dedication to their families, Club and community.

This year’s “Youth of the Year” event was held on May 2nd and 3rd. Sixteen students from the sixteen Boys & Girls Clubs in Connecticut participated in the event: Onyx O. Anderson, age 16, of Shelton High School represented the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley; Richard K. Boebel, age 18, of Bristol Eastern High School represented the Bristol Boys & Girls Club Association; Serena R. Cochran, age 15, of Ledyard High School represented the Groton Subase Youth Center; Emanual Colon, age 18, of New Britain High School represented the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain; Robert K. Ellis, age 17, of Ridgefield High School represented the Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club; Jesse G. Frank, age 17, of Joel Barlow High School represented the Jesse P. Sanford Boys & Girls Club of Redding; Fiona G. Hook, age 16, of New London High School, represented the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Connecticut; Ashley D. Landry, age 15, of Stamford High School, represented the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford; Nicholas P. Makes, age 17, of Fairfield Ludlow High School, represented Wakeman Boys & Girls Club; Kelly L. O’Connell, age 18, of Kolbe Cathedral High School, represented Boys & Girls Club of Bridgeport (North End Unit); Jonathan Murphy, age 17, of F.T. Mahoney High School, represented the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden; Carl J. Pella, age 17, of Mark T. Sheehan High School, represented the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club; Julio J. Rivera, age 17, of Greenwich High School, represented the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich; Jade A. Streater, age 14, of Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, represented the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven; Julio O. Vazquez, age 16, of Crosby High School, represented the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury; Carlos A. Velazquez, age 15, of University High School of Science/Engineering, represented the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford. Also, attending were Joe Andreana, Executive Director of the CT Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs; Jack Glazebrook, Director of Government Relations; Jeff Starcher, Northeast Regional Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

The first day, the students arrived at the Capitol around 10:00 a.m., where they enjoyed breakfast and introduced themselves to each other. Jack Glazebrook told everyone that they are the “best and the brightest.” Around 11:00, they were introduced to the House of Representatives by Representative Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey and Representative Robert Burns. There, the students met with their local representatives. After that, they went to the Senate chambers where they were introduced by Senator Donald Williams. The students had an opportunity to meet with Senator Williams at his office where he congratulated them on their achievements. There, Joe Andreana, Executive Director of the CT Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs presented Senator Williams with an award for “Youth of the Year” Champion for his dedication to the Boys & Girls Clubs. They also had an opportunity to meet with Lt. Governor Michael Fedele.

The students enjoyed lunch around 12:30 then gathered in the lobby for a tour of the Capitol. They left the Capitol around 2:00 then went to the Trumbull Marriott. The activities of the day included going to the Connecticut Sports Center to enjoy Mini Golf, Driving Range or Bowling. The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club also invited the students to their Club where they enjoyed a little basketball and other activities.

On May 3, the students were individually interviewed for the State “Youth of the Year.” Later that night they enjoyed the “Youth of the Year” banquet where Serena R. Cochran was chosen as the “State Youth of the Year.”

Serena R. Cochran is from the Groton Sub Base Youth Center and has been attending the Club for seven years. School is a big part of her life. She takes advance courses so school takes up a lot of her time. This past year she was a freshman at Ledyard High School where she had fun making new friends and meeting new challenges. She lives with her mother and spends time with her father as well. She has two new step siblings, a brother and a sister, along with her brother, and a new step-father. She also considers the Club family.

The Boys and Girls Club logo represents hands that are connected. These students have shown their friends, families and communities what it is like to be a “Youth of the Year” recipient. These young adults will go out in the world and succeed in whatever paths they choose.

Everyone’s individual stories are proof that a Boys and Girls Club is a “positive” place.

2007 State "Youth of the Year" Serena Cochran

“Without the people there, it would have been very difficult to overcome obstacles these past few years," said Serena.

2007 National “Youth of the Year ” Continues to Impress

One of the highlights of the recently concluded BGCA National Conference in Orlando, FL was the opportunity to hear from Stacey Walker, 2007 National “Youth of the Year.” Stacey once again impressed all 3,500 attendees as being a wonderful spokesman for the Boys & Girls Club movement and a great example of our Club’s experiences. 

Stacey’s mother died when he was only 4 years old. While this loss was definitely a tragedy, the wisdom and strength of his grandmother carried him through, shaping him into a
stellar young man.

The B&GC of Cedar Rapids provided a means of Walker to excel. He started out as a member, but quickly transitioned into a mentor, role model and staff member. Through Passport to Manhood, a program that teaches young boys how to become responsible young men, he helped others escape their dim surroundings in hopes of pursuing brighter goals.

In addition to being an avid football player at his alma mater, Washington High School, Walker excelled in academics and
was very active in student government and the debate team. He was presented with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award and selected as member of the National Council on Youth Leadership.

Moreover, Walker used his athletic talents to help those in his community by coaching and starting the Student Athlete Mentoring program, in which he and other athletes mentored at-risk youth in the areas of sportsmanship, academics and everyday life.

He is now at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, studying business law and communications.

2007 National "Youth of the Year" Stacey Walker

from Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Mr. Joseph Andreana, Executive Director of the CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc.

2006 State "Youth of the Year"

Peninnah Bonhomme, daughter of Lucienne & Ilarion Bonhomme of Bridgeport, and a senior at Central High School, has been selected as the 2006 Connecticut State Youth of the Year (YOY) representing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bridgeport. Peninnah was chosen as recipient of the honor at a YOY competition function held April 4 and 5 in Hartford sponsored by Allstate Foundation, the Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Readers Digest Foundation, in its 59th year. The program, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Clubs, academic excellence, as well as, personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

Peninnah will now proceed to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA) Regional competition to be held in New York City in June. The winner of that competition will then compete for the National title in Washington, D.C. Her dream is to attend the University of Hartford.

Peninnah has an extensive commitment to her family. Speaking of her family, Peninnah says, "Family is the most important thing in the world to me, and because I have such a large family, I know that there are always a lot of people that I have a responsibility to care for, but also a lot of people who care for me." Peninnah has taken it upon herself to help her brothers to succeed in the fulfillment of their dreams. She helps them balance their academic and athletic priorities and is often heard offering her brothers assistance on upcoming school projects, while praising them for their athletic accomplishments.

Peninnah also aids her parents who both work full-time to support their family. She often cooks, cleans, and watches over her brothers when her parents work extra shifts. When asked why she has taken on such great responsibilities, she responded, "My parents sacrifice themselves for the good of the family; therefore, instilling in me a desire to imitate their giving nature by helping in any and everyway that I possibly can."

Peninnah has been blessed with great qualities such as generousness, honesty, sportsmanship, etc. Her greatest quality of all is her leadership. While volunteering at the club, Peninnah has helped set clothing and food drives for the Hurricane Katrina victims. She is also the head of our Keystone and Money Matters programs.

Peninnah is an outgoing person who prides herself on being there for others. When needed, other members go to her for advice, or if they have trouble with any issues that they feel like they need someone they can talk to and trust. Penninah feels that by talking to others and building relationships with others who may have the same or different issues she is facing that she can strengthen her character.

Peninnah was raised in a big household; therefore, she is very family oriented. The Bonhomme house is very loving, strong and supportive of each other. In that respect, she approaches life and friends the same way. She believes that building a strong bond within a group allows you to do great things.

Peninnah has been involved in a number of activities within the community, including the Daughters of Charity Rescue Mission, the Food Pantry, the Daughters of Charity Preschool, and the Women's Center. She has worked nearly 2000 hours over 4 years and has serviced hundreds of people within Bridgeport.

At the Rescue Mission, clothing is given to needy people. Peninnah managed the garage. She organized the clothing and made sure the appropriate clothing went to the appropriate people. The Food Pantry also caters to the poor. Peninnah made shopping bags of food and took the necessary information from people to verify their participation in the program.

Further supplementing her extensive voluntary service record, Peninnah volunteers at the Daughters of Charity Preschool and the Women's Center. The school caters to underprivileged children whose parents cannot afford schooling for them. Within the preschool, she quickly became one of the main participants and planners in the curriculum and school performances. At the Women's Center, she provided language development to immigrants and counseled battered women. These places have all benefited from Peninnah's service, as has the overall Bridgeport community.

As part of Central Magnet High School, Peninnah is a major asset, whose proactive nature fosters action. Her many commitments can especially be seen in her involvement in the Class of 2006 Committee, the African American Club, and the Pep Squad, while remaining in the top ten percent of her class. Peninnah has invested a great deal of time into the aid of her peers. She is the Co-Vice President of the senior class. In taking a part in school government, she says, "I've learned to share my responsibilities and trust others to help me." Through her class committees, she has also exhibited leadership when planning events and leading class meetings. Peninnah says, "Through each club I join, I can help my school and show school pride." She is President of the African American Club and Treasurer of the Pep Squad, so within both she has been able to plan and organize assemblies and fundraisers to inform her fellow classmates about important issues and sponsor charitable events within the community. With all this involvement, Peninnah has also maintained academic excellence. She is a CAPT Scholar, National Merit Scholar, and a member of Educational Talent Search, and Yale Positive Futures.

Also, Peninnah has consistently maintained a 3.0 grade point average, while being part of Advanced Placement and Honors courses.

Through her years at this Club, Peninnah has grown into a much admired member by both staff and students. As soon as Peninnah enters the Club, she is ready to work. After warm hellos to everyone, her first question is "What can I do today" and her first statement is "Let's get down to business." She begins by taking on a secretarial role by answering the phones, getting member signatures, and typing important Club notices. This excited, take charge manner has lead Peninnah to become an excellent leader within the Club.

She is currently the President of the Youth Committee, the President of the Keystone, and the President of the NYC Youth Committee. She has become the representative of our Club at all Boys and Girls Club Survey Training presentations. Although she is only seventeen years old, she is very mature for her age. Peninnah's favorite quote is "Each one, teach one." She planned an art contest and pizza party that encouraged over 15 children to participate. In addition, she sponsored the event with her own money. That in itself speaks volumes of the drive and ambition that she has to make her environment and that of others better.

Peninnah is a very focused individual. She is a decisive person who through planning fulfills her goals. Peninnah hopes that by acquiring a law degree she can become a child advocate; and thus, a voice for the underprivileged children that cannot afford professional attorneys. Peninnah has volunteered at many places specializing in child care. She has done this in the hopes of better understanding the injustices that children face. Also, Peninnah hopes to see the positive influences and experiences that are provided to children and to further the prospects of those activities continuing to help children.

Through her service, Peninnah believes that she can learn to better the child care system and in the future fight corruption. When speaking about her hopes for a better system, she states "America is a great country, and by having the privilege to be a citizen of this country, it is important for us to better our society and communities." Through the law, she feels that she can have a great effect on the lives of children and their families.

When volunteering at the Women's Center, she built a rapport with the women there. She learned of their children and the injustices that they have suffered through the system, though they were victims who had escaped abuse for the sake of the children. Peninnah says that she finds the suffering intolerable. She has made it her mission to spend her life helping children escape abuse from any one that threatens them.

Peninnah quotes on Boys & Girls Clubs of Bridgeport

The Club is a display case. It is a place where I can go to see examples of the best people. These people show me exactly what I want to be. They enrich the lives of the people around them. The Boys & Girls Club isn't just a building that I go into to get off the streets. It is my second home. When I enter into this wonderful place, I am surrounded by people others allocate as staff and members, but I see them as family. What does the Club mean to me? The Club means everything to me. Within the walls of this building, I am able to be a hero. The exemplary people, by whom I am surrounded, are constantly giving me reasons to be amazed by the opportunities that being a part of this group allows.

I am able to help the staff make this an even better place. They give me the opportunity to direct the actions that I want to happen within the Club. They give autonomy and knowledgeable support with all the activities that we plan. When we chose to do, Vitality Day, which was an extensive renovation project within the building, they introduced the other volunteers and me, as the most important people within the undertaking of repairing the Club. The staff, my family, puts the responsibility of bettering ourselves within our hands. They succeed in making us responsible, helpful, and caring members of our community.

Not only do the staff make this place remarkable, but also the members, whom I also count among my family. My fellow members are like siblings to me (my three brothers also attend the Club). We work together to form some of the most athletic, intelligent, and generally talented people that I know. Where I falter, they help, and vice a versa. For example, when the BGCA Dance Team was formed, I was extremely shy to join. However, my fellow members helped me battle my insecurities to become one of the most energetic members. On the other hand, whenever, anyone struggles with their schoolwork, I am the first one chanting, "Each one, teach one."

Family is the most important thing in my life, and the Club provides that, so that is why it is so important to me.

Peninnah quotes on Education

My parents are immigrants. Neither my mother nor my father has a diploma or a degree. They work forty-plus hours a week to feed and clothe seven children. My parents don't want this to be my story. They want me to be a success, and the only way to achieve that success is to continue my education. I am not ashamed of my parents nor do I think of them as unsuccessful. They have battled to raise proud, intelligent, and healthy children, while keeping a roof over our heads. However, all their work and work and work would be in vain, if I chose to stop at high school, and flip burgers for the rest of my life. My parents have raised me to want more for myself and strive for the most challenging and rewarding successes.

When I graduate high school, I will have reached the first success of many that my parents and I envision. I will be able to give them the joy of watching me swing the tassel of my college graduation cap over. For every time my mother or father worked a double shift and a second job to pay for the food in my refrigerator, or the heat in my house, or the basketball hoop in my yard, I will have repaid them with that sight.

However, my desire to continue my education does not simply involve my debt to my parents. It is also spurred by my yearning to better my community, my state, and my country with a greater knowledge and understanding of the world. Through education, I can battle the worst monster threatening our lives: ignorance. I can spread a hope for understanding and fight against all those who would aspire to stall progress and change.

Education is the key to success, and success is providing my parents with joy and helping better myself and my environment. I will face many challenges, but though I may not be able to see into the future, I can hear the Dean of 2009 say, "please step forward to receive your degree."

For any additional information you may contact the Executive Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bridgeport Mr. Kenneth Bruno (203-368-4644), or the two Unit Directors Mr. John Ulatowski (203-384-1251) or Mr. Roy Peppers (203-335-2030).

Meet Stacey Walker, 2006-2007 National "Youth of the Year"

The Youth of the Year program recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club; academic excellence; as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. The young people who earn recognition as Youth of the Year are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs work. Indeed, there is no surer testimony that Clubs live up to their reputation as “The Positive Place for Kids.”

On Sept. 20, 2006, Stacey Walker was named the 2006-2007 National Youth of the Year. He is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition to the title, Walker was honored at a Congressional Breakfast at the Dirksen Senate Office Building and received a $15,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation and had the opportunity to meet the President of the United States.

“I’m very proud of the accomplishments of Stacey and all the nominees,” said Roxanne Spillett, President, Boys & Girls Club of America. “We’ve now selected 60 National Youths of the Year thanks to the Reader’s Digest Foundation, and , as we move into our next century of service, I’m looking forward to seeing the great results the Youth of the Year program will continue to deliver.”

In order to compete for this prestigious national honor, Walker, as well as four finalists garnered the Youth of the Year title at their respective local, state and regional levels. The other finalists were Kelly Barefield (Seattle, Washington), Alyse Eady (Fort Smith, Arkansas), Montorie Lee (Camilla, Georgia) and David Shelly (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). The Reader’s Digest Foundation awarded each state finalist a $1,000 college scholarship and each regional finalist a $10,000 college scholarship.

Stacey Walker’s loss of his mother at the age of four was definitely a tragedy, but the wisdom and strength of his grandmother carried him through, shaping him into a stellar young man. The Boys & Girls Club of Cedar Rapids, Iowa also provided a means for Walker to excel. He started out as a member, but quickly transitioned into a mentor, role model and staff member. Through Passport to Manhood, a program that teaches young boys how to become responsible young men, he helped others escape their dim surroundings in hopes of pursuing brighter goals. In addition to being an avid football player at this alma mater, Washington High School, Walker excelled in academics and was very active in student government and the debate team. He was presented with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Award and selected as member of the National Council on Youth Leadership. Moreover, Walker used his athletic talents to help those in his community by coaching and starting the Student Athlete Mentoring program, in which he and other athletes mentored at-risk youth in the areas of sportsmanship, academics and everyday life. Walker has been accepted to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he will study business law.

“The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,” said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’s Digest Foundation. “We are thrilled that we can honor amazing teens, like Stacey, for their dedication to their families, Club and community, and help them achieve their academic and career goals.”

As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million to BGCA and 60 teens have been selected as National Youth of the Year.

The Area Council thanks the Allstate Foundation, the Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation and the Reader's Digest Foundation for their continued support of our youth!

For More Information on Credit Unions, go to: www.ctcua.org