Join us at the 14th Brookline Youth Awards

What are the Brookline Youth Awards?

The Brookline Youth Awards is an opportunity for Brookline residents to hear about the character, challenges, and dreams of its young people, as well as adults dedicated to their success, through the power and intimacy of video interviews. We recognize that each of us is embarked on our own journey, and we must hurdle our own unique set of challenges. There are also no barriers to being eligible for an award other than the recipient must be between the ages of 13 and 19 and either live in or go to school in Brookline.

Past recipients have been recognized for their outstanding in-school and out-of-school achievements, courage in overcoming adversity or helping others do the same, and displaying exceptional kindness, character, and generosity of spirit.

Teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, students, business owners, and residents submit essays to our nomination committee, which consists of BHS school administration, teachers, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations, past Brookline Youth of the Year recipients, representatives from Steps to Success and Brookline Teen Center, and a cross-section of Brookline government, business, and resident leaders.

Over the last 14 years, the youth awards have recognized more than 860 students, produced more than 190 video interviews, and recognized 30 adults who have inspired young people and their community in their roles as parents, business leaders, or social justice advocates.

The 14th Brookline Youth Awards will be held at 7:30 on May 20 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

The 2024 Brookline Youth of the Year will be announced at the event.

2024 Brookline Social Justice Award Honoree: Chobee Hoy

The award, introduced in 2012, goes out to an adult who inspires and affects young people in the area of social justice. This year, the award will be presented posthumously to Chobee Hoy.

• 2012 Roger Grande, BHS Teacher
• 2013 Kate Leslie, BHS Teacher
• 2014 Paul Epstein, BHS Social Worker
• 2015 Pat Norling, Town of Brookline Employee
• 2016 Rene Feuerman, Brookline Food Pantry
• 2017 Malcolm Cawthorne, BHS Teacher
• 2018 Margot Strom & Elisabeth Dopazo, Facing History & Ourselves
• 2019 Rob Daves, Brookline Resident
• 2020 Bobbie Knable, Brookline Resident
• 2021 Joslyn Vendola, BHS Teacher
• 2023 Lloyd Gellineau, Brookline Chief Diversity Officer
• 2024 Chobee Hoy – Brookline Resident, Businesswoman, Philanthropist

2024 Ethel Weiss Service Award Honoree: LeRoy Watkins

The award, introduced in 2014 and named after Ethel Weiss, who ran Irving’s Toy & Card shop for over 76 years, honors a businessperson who goes the extra mile for young people.

• 2014 Ethel Weiss, Irvings Toy & Card Shop
• 2015 Chobee Hoy, Chobee Hoy Group Compass
• 2016 Dana Brigham, Brookline Booksmith
• 2017 Abe Faber & Christy Timon, Clear Flour Bread
• 2018 Elias Audy, Elias Mobil
• 2019 Bo Winiker, .Winiker Music
• 2020 Sandy Gradman, Marcie Brawer, Ilene Epstein – The Studio
• 2021 Kathrine Tallman, CEO Coolidge Corner Theatre
• 2023 David Leschinsky, Eureka! Puzzles
• 2024 LeRoy Watkins, Viking Sports

The event is founded and sponsored by Brookline Hub, Inc., a 501C3 nonprofit. The Town of Brookline, Brookline Bank, Brookline Community Foundation, Coolidge Corner Theatre, ADW Video, Brookline Hub, and The Hamilton Foundation serve as principal sponsors for the 14th Brookline Youth Awards. Donations and sponsorships are welcomed and appreciated.

BrooklineHub.com Mission Statement

BrooklineHub.com is a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to reporting and commenting on life, culture, and community in Brookline. As part of our mission, we advocate for non-profits vital in making this a better place to live and sponsor and support events that promote community-building. We believe that as a community, we should foster the well-being of all, remaining mindful of our young people, seniors, and the underprivileged.