Brooklyn Sanders Named Youth of the Year; Three Inducted to Hall of Fame

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua celebrated an inspiring evening of achievement and community impact at its annual Youth of the Year & Hall of Fame Celebration on April 15, honoring Brooklyn Sanders as the 2026 Youth of the Year and welcoming Cristhian Londoño, Jim and Ann Conway, and Kevin Deary as the newest members of the Club’s Hall of Fame.

Link to additional images: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCRjY3

Subscribe

Brooklyn will now go on to represent the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua at the State Youth of the Year competition on May 14^th. She states, “My goal is to show my peers that anyone can have a voice and be an advocate for what they believe.”

The evening also celebrated the induction of three outstanding individuals into the Club’s Hall of Fame:

• Kevin Deary – Beginning his journey at the Nashua Club as a staff member, Kevin went on to a distinguished 40-year career in the Boys & Girls Club movement, including 30 years as CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County. His lifelong commitment to youth development has made a lasting impact both locally and nationally.
• Cristhian Londoño – A proud Club alum and current staff member, Cristhian embodies the full-circle impact of the organization. Through his work in arts and youth development, he continues to inspire and empower the next generation.
• Jim and Ann Conway – For more than three decades, Jim and Ann have been dedicated supporters and advocates of the Club. Their generosity and leadership have helped expand opportunities for generations of youth, strengthening the Club’s impact across the community.

The evening also featured a variety of interactive experiences throughout the Club. Attendees met the MuralFest 2026 visiting artists and had the opportunity to take part in creating a lasting mark on a collaborative mural wall currently underway in the gymnasium. Guests explored the Club’s program areas, highlighting everything from athletics and early learning programs to social emotional support services and more.

Throughout the celebration, attendees enjoyed food donated by local area restaurants as well as selections prepared by the Club’s own kitchen. The event also showcased live performances from Club members, including a high-energy set from the Club’s dance crew and live music performed by youth participants.

“The energy and passion on display tonight reflect the incredible potential of our young people when they are given the opportunity to lead and be heard,” Executive Director Craig Fitzgerald explains.

In addition to these honors, several educators were recognized with Teacher of the Year Awards, nominated by Club youth for their impact in the classroom:

• Michele Cook – Ledge Street Kindergarten (nominated by Raiden)
• Rachel Raymon – Ledge Street, Grade 3 (nominated by Jelahani)
• Jeannine Hines – Pennichuck, Grade 7 Literacy (nominated by Lucas)
• Darryl Green – Nashua High School North, Science (nominated by Ethen)

The Club also recognized outstanding members with annual youth awards:

• Jacelyn – Junior Youth of the Year
• Camila – Early Learning Center Youth of the Year
• Corina – Teen Scholar of the Year
• James – Grades 3–5 Scholar of the Year
• Joshua – Athlete of the Year
• Matias – Artist of the Year
• Mason – Grades 3–5 Growth Award
• Onyx – Early Learning Center Growth Award

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua extends its sincere thanks to the many sponsors and supporters who made the evening possible, with special recognition to Champions for Change sponsors BAE Systems and Main Street Private Wealth Management for their continued commitment to the Club and the youth it serves.

The Youth of the Year & Hall of Fame Celebration remains one of the Club’s most meaningful traditions, highlighting the achievements of its members while honoring those who have made a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua
For over 50 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua has been a trusted resource for local children and families. The nonprofit organization provides a safe and supportive environment where young people, ages 6 weeks to 18 years old, can learn, grow, and thrive. Through a variety of programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership, the BGCN aims to help all young people realize their full potential.For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, visit www.bgcn.com.