Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club January Youth of the Month

Rafael, 12, is in the seventh grade at Robert M. Finley Middle School where his favorite subject is math. He is an avid soccer player, playing defender or midfield for the Barcelona Junior travel team. He also played in the school soccer team where they enjoyed an undefeated year. His passion for soccer is so that he would like to become a professional soccer player when he grows up but he is also realistic and is equally interested in pursuing a career in either law enforcement or medicine. For Rafael there is a love that is greater than his love for soccer and that is the love he feels for his parents, sister and brother. Family is very important to him and the Club is very important to him as well. “This is my second home. I have made a lot of friends and many of them are like my family.” Rafael is actively involved in many Club activities and is looking forward to participating in the Mentoring Matters program where he will be paired with Mentors who will provide guidance and support in academics, personal growth and development.

Leybis, 10, is in the third grade at Landing Elementary School. This is the second time Leybis has been recognized as Youth of the Month, having previously won this coveted title in December 2016. Leybis has many things in common with Rafael. Also an avid sportsman, Leybis plays basketball, baseball and football but soccer is his favorite of all sports. He too would like to become a professional soccer player but is still seriously considering become a police officer like his buddy Glen Cove police Officer D. J. Martone. Officer Martone is among a group of Glen Cove police officers who check in on schools and afterschool youth organizations on a daily basis to ensure the safety of the children of the Glen Cove community. Leybis has been a member for two years. “I have lots and lots of friends at the Club and I have made many new friends,” said Leybis, who also has a great deal of admiration for group leaders Mr. Jahrae (O’Neill) and Ms. Lyasia (Milledge). He also credits Education Director Sean O’Callaghan with helping him with homework.