Meriden Resident Awards Five Scholarships to Boys & Girls Village Students

Milford, Conn. – Boys & Girls Village (BGV), a statewide leader in providing behavioral health treatment, permanency planning, and educational services to Connecticut’s most vulnerable youth and their families, recently awarded scholarships to five of its students. The recipients of this annual scholarship are chosen by retired former BGV employee Carmine Trotta, a Meriden resident. This year’s five candidates were so impressive, Trotta was unable to decide on just one winner. As a result, all five were awarded a $500 scholarship, which was presented to them on during the Devon Rotary Club’s Scholarship Breakfast at the Bridge House Restaurant in Milford.

This year’s five scholarship recipients – Kimone, Daniel, Jesus, Michael, and Chase – all excelled as participants in BGV’s Work-To-Learn vocational training program, a community-based service that provides education opportunities; job trainings, placement and follow-up; and financial asset building services for BGV youth in order to help them transition successfully into adulthood.

2017 Carmine Trotta BGV Scholarship Recipients Michael, Kimone, Daniel, and Chase (L-R) stand with Carm Trotta (Center)

Kimone exemplified leadership skills, respect, and diligence as a participant in BGV’s Work-To-Learn Program. She was voted president of the youth leadership board and was a member of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families Youth Advisory Board. She will graduate from high school later this month and attend Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina – her top choice – in the fall.

Daniel proved himself a valuable asset to the operation of BGV’s Work-To-Learn restaurant, Meatball Heaven, developing his culinary and restaurant management skills there and going on to secure an internship with a restaurant in downtown Bridgeport.

Jesus has also excelled at Meatball Heaven, providing high quality service and displaying a strong ability to follow through with managerial directions.

Michael initially acquired restaurant experience during his first community placement at Applebee’s, a vocational training partner of BGV. When Meatball Heaven opened, Michael brought his vocational skills there and helped the restaurant grow its business.

Chase, who will be graduating as a member of the first 12th grade class at BGV’s Charles F. Hayden School, was a top worker in the Work-To-Learn vocational program while also attending all four years of high school. He worked at several locations, including Meatball Heaven, and attained his first job outside of school with the help of BGV’s vocational program.