Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich held its 58th Annual Youth of the year celebration this week. Joell Molina was selected as the Club’s 2026 Youth of the Year.
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s 58th Annual Youth of the year celebration took place in the Rebecca S. Breed Clubhouse. Photo: Blucher Photography
Selected from seven finalists, Molina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to community service.
Molina, along with Yasmine Bruce, Haamed Hussaini, Ryder King, Sydney Niemynski, Salome Raigoza, and Taylor Tejada, showcased the qualities that define the Youth of the Year program.
The Youth of the Year program, established in 1969, recognizes Club members who embody service, academic success, strong character, and leadership.
Winners go on to compete for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title, with the opportunity to advance to regional and national competitions.
In 2024, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s Youth of the Year, Omar Badr, was named the Connecticut State Youth of the Year.
Joell Molina was named Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s 2026 Youth of the Year. Photo: Blucher Photography
Reflecting on the honor, Molina said, “The Boys & Girls Club showed me that belonging isn’t something you’re born into. It’s something you build, together, in places like this one where love and support await at any door. I’m proof that when you give a kid a place to belong, you give them everything.”
Cristina Vittoria, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, underscored the significance of the award.
“Youth of the Year is more than a title, it’s a testament to the resilience, character, and leadership of our Club members,” she said. “These young people are the future, and their dedication to service and personal growth inspires us all. Joell is a shining example of what it means to be a Youth of the Year.”
Aaliyah Williams was named the 2026 Junior Youth of the Year. Photo: Blucher Photography
Aaliyah Williams was named the 2026 Junior Youth of the Year.
Reflecting on her time at the Club, Williams said, “The Boys & Girls Club has been so much more than just a place to go after school, it has been like a second home to me. It’s where I’ve grown, learned, and discovered who I am and who I want to become.”
The Club also recognized Ryder King as the 2026 recipient of the David Ogilvy Award for Character, Kindness, and Integrity. Photo: Blucher Photography
In addition to naming the Youth of the Year, the Club also recognized Ryder King as the 2026 recipient of the David Ogilvy Award for Character, Kindness and Integrity.
This award, established in honor of former Board Chair David Ogilvy, is given to a high school Club member who embodies his legacy.
Presenting the award, Anne Ogilvy noted that the recipient is “a friendly, outgoing, and caring role model, someone who has been involved in every opportunity to volunteer and who truly cares about his Club and community.”
Tony Mann was named the 2026 Champion of Youth. Photo: Blucher Photography
The evening also paid tribute to Tony Mann, who was named the 2026 Champion of Youth. The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s Champion of Youth award is the highest honor a supporter can achieve, recognizing those who demonstrate outstanding service and embody the Club’s mission.
Mr. Mann has been a dedicated champion of the Club for more than 30 years, serving as a Board member and Co-Chair of the Building Great Futures Capital Campaign.
His leadership helped guide the successful renovation and expansion of the Rebecca S. Breed Clubhouse, ensuring the Club can serve generations of youth to come. Outside the Club, he is CEO of The E-J Group, a nationally respected electrical contracting firm.
In accepting the honor, Mann said, “For so many young people each year, the Club offers roots, a sense of belonging, stability, and support. And at the same time, it gives them wings, the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to succeed.”
Nancy Risman and Richard Browne were recognized as the 2026 Community Impact Volunteer. Photo: Blucher Photography
The event also recognized Nancy Risman and Richard Browne as the 2026 Community Impact Volunteers for their unwavering dedication to the Club and the youth it serves.
During the two-year Clubhouse renovation, they served as pro bono Owner’s Representatives, providing critical leadership and expertise throughout the project.
Risman, a longtime Board and Advisory Board member, and Browne, Managing Partner at Sterling Project Development, played an instrumental role in bringing the vision of the new Clubhouse to life.
Reflecting on the effort, Nancy Risman emphasized the collective commitment behind the project.
“None of this would be possible without the daily 24/7, 365 dedication of the incredible Boys & Girls Club staff. Every single person, from senior leadership to part-time staff and volunteers, went above and beyond their roles,” Risman said. “It truly was a team effort, and Richard and I are grateful to each and every one of you for always showing up.”
As the 2026 Youth of the Year, Joell Molina will now compete for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title, carrying forward the legacy of excellence and service that defines Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.