Local Teens Talk About Some of the People Who Have Inspired Them

The 9th Brookline Youth Awards was held on April 10 at 7 pm before a big audience at the Coolidge Corner Theater. The event recognized recognize 81 Brookline students and five adults who have made a mark on their community.

State Rep. Tommy Vitolo delivered this year’s keynote address. Sen. Elizabeth Warren provided a one-minute video address that was screened at the Coolidge for the event. Hosts for the evening were 2018 Brookline Youth of the Year Sabrina Zhou and Former BATV director Karen Chase.
The rock band Tomtsu performed, and there was a vocal performance by Vishni Samaraweera, and slam poetry performances by Naomi Mirny and Yingzi (Cherry) Xian.

The 9th Brookline Youth Awards honored Rob Daves, Bo Winiker and Elizabeth, and Boniface Mande.

Brookline Youth Awards Founder, R. Harvey Bravman and 2018 Brookline Youth of the Year Sabrina Zhou introduced this year's six Youth of the Year finalists and the 2019 Brookline Youth of the Year.

The evening was highlighted by 14 student video interviews and three adult interviews, which were shown on the big screen in the Coolidge’s main playhouse.

During the interview process, students were asked to share with us the people who have inspired them.

2019 Brookline Youth of the Year Finalists
Allison Switalski
Jackie Perelman
Jocelyn Zhou
Richard Desir
Saya Ameli Hajebi
Vishni Samaraweera

2019 Brookline Youth of the Year
Richard Desir

Thanks to the generosity of the Coolidge Corner Theater, the event is free to the public

The Brookline Youth Awards are founded and produced by Brookline Hub. The event's principal sponsors are the Town of Brookline, Brookline Community Foundation, ADW Video Productions, Foundation to be Named Later, Brookline Rotary, Brookline Booksmith, Chobee Hoy Group Compass, Brookline Bank, RTN Federal Credit Union, Little Children School House, Unlimited Sotheby's International Realty, Zaftigs Delicatessen, Brookline Courtyard Marriott, Rifrullo Café, Irving's Toy & Card Shop, Elias Mobil, The Blakely Group, The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation and the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

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 by sponsoring and supporting events that promote community-building. We hold the belief that as a community, we should foster the well-being of all, remaining mindful of our young people, seniors, and underprivileged.