Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. It recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as an effort to overcome personal challenges and obstacles.
“Having helped shape Alleyha's lifevoice, we are so proud of her and are thrilled she will be our Youth of The Year ambassador for the next year," Robert DeAngelo, executive director of the Greenwich club, said in the release. "Her contagious smile, great energy and zeal to keep climbing high in life will inspire and motivate all around her."
A seven-year club member, Dannett is a junior at Greenwich High School, where she runs for the cross country and winter track teams.
Dannett has accumulated hundreds of hours in the Keystone Club, a leadership club for teens 14 to 18 that focuses on academic success, career preparation and community service at the Boys & Girls Club. She also volunteers at Central Middle School with their annual performance and wants to take a stance against the social stigma attributed to homelessness.
“Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich is my home and the place where I have been allowed to grow in so many ways,” Dannett said in the release.
If Dannett wins Connecticut Youth of the Year, she will be up for Northeast Regional Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. Five regional winners will then compete for the National Youth of the Year award, a $50,000 scholarship and a chance to meet President Obama.
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