Local Teens Up For NJ Boys & Girls Club "Youth of the Year" Award Wednesday

WAYNE, NJ — Three Boys & Girls Club members from Passaic County chapters are nominees for the state BGC’s “Youth of the Year” leadership award, given out on Wednesday.

The New Jersey Youth of the Year recognizes teens “who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and a commitment to living healthy lifestyles,” and includes finalists from across the state.

The local finalists are

• Deyanna A., Wayne: BGC of Northwestern New Jersey
• Alias R., Clifton: BGC of Clifton
• Julia Y., Fair Lawn: BGC of Hawthorne

The Boys & Girls Club said Deyanna, who aspires to be a psychiatrist, has been a member for one year. She believes “that every individual has a unique strength or ability that may remain hidden without the right opportunity, but providing a supportive environment can help them discover and utilize their talent,” the club added.

The Youth of the Year reception ceremony, hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey, is May 10 at Montclair State University. The State and Military Youth of the Year honorees will be celebrated.

State finalists serve as youth ambassadors for all teens in the state, and go on to contend for the regional Youth of the Year – and ultimately the national title.

The northwestern New Jersey chapter of the BGC is headquartered in Wayne and has units in Wayne and Pequannock.

Presenting sponsors of NJ Youth of the Year are Amazon, Atlantic Shores Offshores Wind, Mondelēz International and Comcast NBCUniversal, said the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey.