On Thursday night the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich held their Awards Night, a celebration of success for members and volunteers that recognizes their outstanding development, contributions to the Club, community service, leadership and sportsmanship.
“Everybody who works here are the club is committed to one thing: youth development,” said Boys & Girls Club CEO Cristina Vittoria. “Every child deserves a great future.”
Town elected officials who attended included First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin, State Senator Ryan Fazio, Greenwich Police Deputy Chief Mark Zuccerella, Greenwich Fire Chief Joseph McHugh, Hamilton Ave School Principal Diane Chiappetta Fox and Julian Curtiss School Principal Trish McGuire.
Don Palmer introduced full time professional staff. In addition to Ms Vittoria, he introduced VP of Development Emily Wakeling, Teen Coordinator Ryan Accurso, Director of External Affairs Laura Dianis, Athletic Coordinator Mike Gerald, Facilities Manager Rob Munro and HR director Denise Kaufman.
Palmer said the youth development staff served as great role models, friends and mentors for all members, working hard and leading by example.
He also thanked the board members. “They’re supportive, friendly, show up for everything, attend meetings, come and pass out snacks every day and come to camp during the summer.”
In addition, Palmer said support from community partners and volunteers had made possible programs like Stem to Stern, the rowing program at the Greenwich Water Club, yoga, wrestling, cheerleading, financial literacy, running club and lacrosse, to name a few.
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich Awards Night Winners 2023
Youth of the Year: Jada Brewington. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.
The recipient is selected by a panel of BGCG staff and community leaders. Youth of the Year honorees embody all that the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich stands for. Congratulations to the 2023 Youth of the Year candidates: Omar Badr, Nargis Hussaini, Jake Phillips, Dina Quevedo, and Jesse Sanchez.
Junior Youth of the Year: Taylor Tejada The Junior Youth of the Year Award is selected by a panel of Boys & Girls Club full-time and part-time staff. This award is presented to the outstanding Club member in middle school.
Fine Arts Award: Polina Lytvyn, Grade 4, Glenville. This award is presented to a Club member for their accomplishments and participation in fine arts programming at the Club. This recipient has demonstrated significant effort and a love of art.
Lillian Butler Davey Education Volunteer Award: Greenwich Academy. This award is presented to an individual who volunteers in the After-School Academic Success Program. This recipient is committed to making sure all members are reaching their full educational potential.
Junior Member of the Year: Hector Rodriguez, Grade 6, Western Middle School. This award is presented to a Club Member between the ages of 8-11 for participation, skill development and leadership qualities.
Community Award: Greenwich Country Day School. This award is presented to an individual or organization that gives continued support throughout the year to the youth of BGCG.
Junior Swimmer of the Year: Neville Warburton, Grade 3, Glenville. This award is presented to a junior Club Member who demonstrates interest, skill development and sportsmanship in the aquatics programs.
Camp Simmons Award: Claire Moskowitz, Grade 8, Central Middle School. This award goes to a camper or CIT for participation, exhibiting a positive attitude and leadership qualities while attending the camp.
Clubhouse Camp Award: Xavier Tapia, Grade 10, Greenwich High School. This award is presented to a camper or CIT for participation, exhibiting a positive attitude and leadership qualities while attending the camp.
Junior Boy and Junior Girl Athlete of the Year: Cebastian Guico, Grade 7, Eastern Middle School and Maria Nonato Ramos, Grade 6, Central Middle School. These awards are presented to junior Club Members who demonstrates interest, skill development and sportsmanship in the athletic programs.
Project Learn Award: Tatiana Williams, Grade 2, Julian Curtiss School. This award is presented to a Club Member who strives for academic success and who participates in all facets of “Project Learn Programs and Homework Activities.”
Joanna Schulman Teen Community Service Award: Daniela Hernandez, Grade 10, Stamford High School. This award is presented to a Club teen who exemplifies leadership and character by contributing to the betterment of the community through participating in a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Don Palmer Knuckles for Life Award. Armani McCollum, Part-time staff member. This award is presented to the staff member who displays strong character and leadership by maintaining a positive attitude, willingness to help others, gets involved and is a committed ambassador of the BGCG Mission. This recipient is also a mentor and positive role model to Club Members and Junior Staff.
James R. Natale Swimmer of the Year: Kasey Tierney, Grade 10, Greenwich High School. This award is presented to a member of the BGCG Barracudas Swim Team for leadership, teamwork and athletic qualities.
Athlete of the Year: Katie Coyle, Grade 12, Greenwich High School. This award is presented to a Club Member who demonstrates athletic abilities both in the Club and in the Greenwich community.
