Don Palmer and Youth of the Year winner Kyla Johnson at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Kyla Johnson was honored as Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s Youth of the Year on Thursday in the 48th annual Awards night. Kayla is in good company, as the list of recipients includes many familiar names in town – from Jim Loughram to Joe Siciliano, and from Shannon Martin to Michael Chambers. In fact, former Youth of the Year recipient from 2010, Camryn Ferrara, now an athletic coordinator at the Club, was on hand to present several awards. The awards night was sponsored by NEBCO Insurance Services.
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich athletic coordinator Camryn Ferrara, who is himself a Youth of the Year recipient for 2010, and Glenn Sutton from NEBCO, awards night sponsor. Credit: Leslie Yager
As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Kyla Johnson was honored at the 48th annual awards night. Community service has played a key role in Kyla’s development. Don Palmer ran through some of Kyla’s accomplishments which range from volunteering at Greenwich Alliance Turkey Trot, to participating in Keystone Club. At GHS Kyla participated in Names Day, and at her church she has volunteered with a group that helps children deal with their emotions during their parents’ divorce. In addition to community service, Kyla has participated in Track & Field at GHS where she has a 4.3 GPA.
Kyla Johnson received the Youth of the Year Award on April 7, 2016 at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. Credit: Leslie Yager
Kyla has some big plans for college in the fall 2016. She wants to learn three languages – French, Mandarin and Italian, and would like to study in Asia or the Middle East so she can see the world and continue to help people.
“Kyla has a drive to succeed, help her fellow human beings, and become the best person she can,” Palmer said.
Kyla said that when she moved to Greenwich in 4th grade, the club was her first introduction to the community. “The club became a safe haven. It was here that I found the peace I did not find at home,” she said. “The club helped me develop character, challenge myself academically and creatively and find an outlet for my voice.”
Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich staff with Youth of the Award winner Kyla Johnson. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
For many years both Black Forest and St. Moritz have donated gorgeous, delicious cakes to celebrate the annual awards night at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Credit Leslie Yager
Glenn Sutton from NEBCO, State Rep Fred Camillo, State Rep Mike Bocchino, Boys & Girls Club director Bobbie Walker and Mason Perkins, Camp Simmons Award recipient. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
A special performance by Lilly Bartels, Jordyn Libow and Sarah Walker – all cast as Dorothy in the upcoming Boys & Girls Club musical theater performance of the Wizard of Oz, April 29-30, 2016. Credit: Leslie Yager
In the line for a delicious dinner provided by Garden Catering were Russ Harden and the Brunswick Upper School community service boys, recipients of the Lillian Butler Davey Education Volunteer Award. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Club House Summer Camp Award recipient Sabrina Romero
Athletic coordinator Mike Gerald presented the Junior Boy Athlete of the Year Pablo Vera. Credit: Leslie Yager
The Junior Swimmer of the Year Award went Barracuda’s swim team member who took lessons beginning at age 4 at the Club. Mike Stacy, Aquatics Coordinator at the club said Garyn Finz built up the courage and stamina to swim her first 500 yard free style, which is 20 laps! April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Mikayla Antonetti received the Project Learn Award at the 48th annual awards night at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
The Community Award went to Donna Chamoff. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Junior Girl Athlete of the Year Daniela Mutis.
Junior Girl Athlete of the Year Daniela Mutis.
Starla Tejada, gets a hug from Camryn Ferrara after receiving the Midget Member of the Year award. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Starla Tejada, gets a hug from Camryn Ferrara after receiving the Midget Member of the Year award. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
The Brunswick Upper School community service boys, recipients of the Lillian Butler Davey Education Volunteer Award. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Nico Venegas, the Joanna Schulman Teen Community Service Award recipient. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Rocco Natale congratulates the Theatre Arts Award Winners Carlos and Marisol Flores. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Rocco Natale joked that Don Palmer is always terrified by his unscripted remarks. After congratulating Marisol and Carlos Flores on receiving the Theatre Arts Award and always being the last to leave rehearsal, staying to clean up, he suggested the siblings tackle Don’s office. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
The Jackie Joyner Kersee Award went to Lauren Confalone, April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
The James R. Natale Swimmer of the Year award went to Lara Javier. April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
Nico Venegas received the Joanna Schulman Teen Community Service Award, April 7, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager