Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club

Ten-year-old Hellem is in the fifth grade with ambitions of becoming a doctor. “I want to save people’s lives,” said the Junior Youth of the Month who has been a member of the Club since the age of six. “I feel safe and comfortable at the Club, and I have learned a lot here. The staff always encourage us to work hard and try our best, and always keep doing something good.” Hellem, who attends every day, looks forward to continuing through the Teen program and becoming a group leader. For now, she enjoys being a young member who naturally gravitates towards sports, is on a soccer team, and enjoys participating in the many activities that take place in the Club’s gymnasium. “I like the gym a lot, but I also like that we get to rotate between all the rooms, especially the library where I can find a quiet place to read.” Smile, and Guts, both by Raina Telgemeier and The Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin are among her favorite books. Hellem excels in writing as well and math too is one of her favorite subjects in school. Extracurricular school activities include playing the violin in orchestra, something she intends on continuing through High School.

Senior Youth of the Month, Nathaly P. is a relatively new member who joined the Club last summer. “I came here for the academic assistance and to help me do better in school,” said the eleven-year-old sixth grader who favors math, social studies and Spanish and is already seeing an improvement in her grades. “I like being at the Club. I am getting homework help, making friends, have freedom and independence and becoming more outgoing and less shy,” adding “It feels like I am home.” Nathaly is fully immersed in the Club’s Teen program where she participates in group projects and is learning to try new things and be more versatile. She too is sporty and plays softball leisurely but plans to join a soccer team. In addition to sports, she plays the clarinet and is in the school Chorus. Nathaly’s goal is to graduate High School and head to college to pursue a degree in teaching with an ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.