Greenwich’s Omar Badr has been named the 2024 State of Connecticut Youth of the Year.
The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young per-son in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.
Omar is a senior at Greenwich High School who will attend UConn Storrs in the fall to study engineering.
Omar was named the 2024 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich in April and was selected from among eleven outstanding finalists.
Now in its 77th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Connecticut Youth of the Year, Omar will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and will advance to the Northeast regional Youth of the Year event.
“I moved from Brooklyn to Greenwich at the end of fourth grade, and that same week, my mother signed me up to attend the Boys & Girls Club” said Badr. “Since that first day, BGCG has shaped my life and helped make me the person I have become. The various programs I attended combined with the mentors I’ve had have shaped me and given me valuable skills. Most of all, the Club has helped me discover my passion of helping others.”
Cristina Vittoria, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich said, “The entire Club, members, staff and board know that Omar has a bright future and will achieve all that he plans to accomplish. We are thrilled to have him as President of our Keystone leadership club for high school teens, BGCG’s 2024 Youth of the Year, and now as the Connecticut State Youth of the Year. Omar’s achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the potential and success that can be found with-in our youth. He is a shining example for our younger members, proving that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich!”
Youth of the Year recipient Omar Badr addresses a crowd of about 400 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s 2024 Youth of the Year Celebration. April 3, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
This summer, Omar will join other state Youth of the Year to vie for the Northeast regional title.
If named the regional Youth of the Year, he will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2024 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.
The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.
Founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year program is supported by Toyota and Kohls. As the Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year, Toyota and Kohls are committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work. Youth of the Year representatives are the workforce leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.