2026 Youth Of The Year Named By Boys & Girls Club Of Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich recently named Joell Molina as its 2026 Youth of the Year during the organization's 58th Annual Youth of the Year Celebration on April 22 at the Rebecca S. Breed Clubhouse.

Molina was selected from a group of seven finalists and was recognized for leadership, academic achievement and community service. The other finalists were Yasmine Bruce, Haamed Hussaini, Ryder King, Sydney Niemynski, Salome Raigoza and Taylor Tejada.

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The Youth of the Year program, established in 1969, recognizes club members who demonstrate service, academic success, character and leadership. Winners advance to compete at the state level, with opportunities to move on to regional and national competitions.

In 2024, the club’s Youth of the Year, Omar Badr, was named Connecticut Youth of the Year.

"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," Molina said, according to a news release.

Cristina Vittoria, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, said, "Youth of the Year is more than a title, it’s a testament to the resilience, character, and leadership of our Club members. 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."

The club also announced Aaliyah Williams as its 2026 Junior Youth of the Year. 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."

Ryder King was named the 2026 recipient of the David Ogilvy Award for Character, Kindness, and Integrity, which is presented to a high school club member who exemplifies those qualities. Presenting the award, Anne Ogilvy described the recipient as "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."

The event also honored Tony Mann as the 2026 Champion of Youth, the organization’s highest recognition for a supporter.

Mann has been involved with the club for more than 30 years, serving as a board member and co-chair of the Building Great Futures Capital Campaign, which supported the renovation and expansion of the Rebecca S. Breed Clubhouse. He is also CEO of The E-J Group.

"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," Mann said.

Nancy Risman and Richard Browne were recognized as the 2026 Community Impact Volunteers for their work supporting the club and its renovation project.

During the two-year clubhouse renovation, they served as pro bono owners' representatives. Risman is a longtime board and advisory board member, and Browne is managing partner at Sterling Project Development.

"None of this would be possible without the daily 24/7, 365 dedication of the incredible Boys & Girls Club staff," Risman said. "Every single person, from senior leadership to part-time staff and volunteers, went above and beyond their roles. 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, Molina will next compete for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title.