Great Futures Start Here: Exceptional Milford Teen Wins Youth of the Year Honor from Souhegan Boys & Girls Club

Patrick McKnight to Now Vie for State Title and Scholarship

 As the new Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Norman Adam’s Youth of the Year, 18 year old Patrick McKnight is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. At the March 21st Youth of the Year event held at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley in Milford, NH, Patrick was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the James G. D’Amato Scholarship Fund of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to further his education. On May 16th, he will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the New Hampshire Youth of the Year title and an additional $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation.  

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. 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, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs. “Patrick is an amazing young man,” said Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “He works hard to be the best he can be and sets a wonderful example for all our members.”

Patrick is a senior at Souhegan High School and after graduation Patrick will be pursuing a career in Marine Biology.  He has been involved with the Club since 2008 and has volunteered hundreds of hours to support the mission of the Boys & Girls Club.  In 2012, Patrick had the honor of representing the club at the National Conference in San Diego, CA.  When asked about the club, he says “It is easier to be yourself when you are surrounded by people who make you feel a part of something great.  I am who I am because of the Club.”

If Patrick wins at the state competition, he will go on to compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2013, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

Brenna McClain of Bedford and Emma Ayotte of Milford were finalists in the competition and also impressed the judges with their commitment to service, academics and leadership. “We could not be more proud of our youth of the year finalists”, stated Taylor. “They all provide an amazing example of the Club’s impact on the lives of its members”.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley

A nonprofit organization, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley strives to create opportunities that enhance the quality of life for youth of all backgrounds, with special concern for those that need us most. To support our mission to help kids “be great” BGCSV offers daily access to a broad range of programs designed to help kids explore, learn and grow. Visit www.svbgc.org for more information.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at bgca.org/facebook and bgca.org/twitter.