Greenwich Resident Named CT Youth Of The Year By Boys & Girls Club

GREENWICH, CT — A local resident and member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) has been named the 2024 State of Connecticut Youth of the Year.

Omar Badr, a senior at Greenwich High School, was recognized with the prestigious honor for his leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

Last month, Badr was chosen by the BGCG for local Youth of the Year honors. He was selected from among eleven finalists.

"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 in a news release. "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."

Now in its 77th year, the Youth of the Year program honors the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures.

As the Connecticut Youth of the Year, Badr will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and will advance to the Northeast regional Youth of the Year event.

If named the regional Youth of the Year, Badr 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.

"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," said BGCG CEO Cristina Vittoria, in a news release. "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 BGCG!"

In the fall, Badr will attend UConn (Storrs) to stuy engineering.

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.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit click here or here.