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More than 100 Club members, staffers, donors, dignitaries, board members, and friends of the Club gathered on April 30 to recognize Nethmi DeSilva with the Club’s highest honor – the prestigious “Youth of the Year” award.
The National Youth of the Year program, a Boys & Girls Clubs of America initiative, honors club members for developing superior leadership skills, overcoming personal challenges, achieving academic excellence, and performing outstanding service to the club and the community.
The reception and dinner was hosted by BGCNW board member John Crabtree. A 12-year club member, DeSilva was selected as “Youth of the Year” for her leadership, commitment, and dedication to school, home, family, and community.
In 2002, then three-year-old Nethmi DeSilva left Sri Lanka with her family to flee civil war and to pursue the privilege of education and possibility of college. Today, as a sophomore at Fox Lane High School, she is living her family’s dream.
“The Boys & Girls Club has helped me realize my full potential and embrace my leadership skills,” said DeSilva. “Walking through the doors of the club, I feel like I can be whoever I want, with the full support of friends, staff, and Club members.”
Youth of the Year finalists Lilian Chang, Cristy Lopez-Duarte, and Cameron Rosen were also recognized for their exceptional accomplishments.
Rosen, a Fox Lane senior, was selected as the recipient of the 2015 Chris Cutri Memorial Award. This award memorializes Cutri, the son of BGCNW director of operations, Barbara Cutri, and recognizes positive attitude, perseverance, kindness, and integrity.
DeSilva also will also be honored as the BGCNW’s Youth of the Year at the 2015 Humanitarian Award Dinner on June 6 at the Hilton Westchester. The 21st annual gala will recognize Brian Skanes, the club’s former executive director, as “Humanitarian of the Year.” Skanes left the organization this spring to pursue work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
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