NH Youth Of The Year Named

MANCHESTER, NH — Selected among five outstanding youth, Shelby Houghton has been named the New Hampshire Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to a press release. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 70th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

As the New Hampshire Youth of the Year, Shelby will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a $1,000 scholarship from 99 Restaurants, a $10,000 award from an anonymous in state donor and will go on to vie for the regional Youth of the Year and potentially the national title.

Houghton, a junior at Milford High School, was unsure when she joined the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley in September 2010 that it would be more than just another after-school program. She credits the Club for pushing her to have more confidence and inspiring her beyond her greatest beliefs. Houghton says that without the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, she would not have a passion for music nor be the leader that she is today.

“The guidance I received as a child helped me bloom into a leader of my community," Houghton said. "Due to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, I am not just Shelby. I am a drum major, Vice President, public advocate, and my favorite, a Club kid.”

Houghton told the audience at the awards ceremony Thursday night that she someday wants to work in social services and possibly join the military post graduation.

After the announcement, Houghton said, “The Boys & Girls Club is a platform that allows students to become the trailblazers of their generation. I'm extremely grateful for education, club assistance, and family support throughout this process.”

“Shelby and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are inspiring and enabling young people to achieve great futures,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, BGCA. “Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor. As the New Hampshire Youth of the Year, Shelby will serve as a spokesperson for our young people, sharing her inspiring story and leading the way to transform communities for the better.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported the youth advocacy organization for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated to inspiring the next generations of engineers, thinkers and leaders who will help drive the American economy. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix, a committed partner who has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on many Academic Success initiatives, and the Taco Bell Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier partner for teen empowerment.

This summer, Shelby will join other state winners to vie for the Northeast regional title. If named the regional winner, she will be awarded an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military youth winner, will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2017, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable for four years up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit youthoftheyear.org.

Captions: Caitlin Hunter, Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, hugs Shelby Houghton, NH Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year state winner. Second photo: Rich Lowney, President of the NH Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs; Shelby Houghton, 2017 NH Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and Lisa Hunter, Director of Organizational Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Third photo: Rich Lowney, President of the NH Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs; Shelby Houghton, 2017 NH Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and Lisa Hunter, Director of Organizational Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Tom Leoni, Operations Director, 99 Restaurants. Credit: Tom Kallechey.

Submitted by Susan Taylor.