YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Save the Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Youth of the Year Celebration
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year Program is an annual initiative to foster young people’s personal growth and leadership qualities, and the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can achieve. Greenwich’s Youth of the Year program was established in 1969 to recognize club members who give back to their club and community. Recipients of the honor have demonstrated service to club, community, and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.
The Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Winners go on to vie for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title and then participate in a regional and national competition. Each year a celebratory dinner is held where guests gather to witness the announcement of the winner.
Notable Honorees
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich has celebrated two national and four state level winners:
Robert Zikias
1976 Youth of the Year, State of Connecticut Youth of the Year, and National Youth of the Year
Deelia Wadsworth
1991 Youth of the Year (1st female) and State of Connecticut Youth of the Year
Domenica Echeverria
2018 Youth of the Year and State of Connecticut Youth of the Year
2020 Youth of the Year

“I’ve been a member of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich for as long as I can remember. It started when I turned six years old, and I would take the bus to the Club after school. I was here every day and have attended almost every program that is offered. From a member of the Barracuda swim team, to vice president of Keystone Club, the Club gave me a place to rely on.”
Lara Javier, 2020 Youth of the Year