Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club

Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club is proud to announce Diana Rodriguez as the 2026 Youth of the Year and recipient of the L.M. Sanford and Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club scholarships.

Diana, seventeen, is a standout student leader at Glen Cove High School, where she serves as President of the World Language Honor Society, Treasurer of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, Vice President of the National English Honor Society, and is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Honor Society, and National Science Honor Society. She also serves as a PRHYLI Student Delegate. Her leadership extends beyond academics. Diana currently serves as a Group Leader at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club while also volunteering at Iglesia Luz de Salvación Bible School, supporting the El Buen Samaritano Organization, and serving as a Spanish-language announcer for Glen Cove High School.

A stellar student, Diana has earned numerous academic honors, including the AP Scholar Award, Excellence in Pre-Calculus/Calculus Honors, Achievement in Journalism, Excellence in Algebra II, Achievement in Chemistry, and a Student Government Organization award.

Through her experience working at the Club, Diana has developed a strong passion for working with children and supporting their growth. She describes this experience as one that has helped her grow as a mentor, strengthened her patience, and shown her the impact she can have on young learners. She credits her time at the Club with helping her discover her interest in education and her desire to support kids in reaching their full potential.

“Diana exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and character we strive to instill in every young person at the Club. Her commitment to service, academic excellence, and working with youth reflects the powerful impact of investing in our members. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to watching her continue to flourish and succeed in the years ahead,” said Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Franca Trunzo.

Diana plans to attend Hofstra University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She hopes to continue her studies by earning a master’s degree in educational leadership or curriculum design, with the goal of helping create supportive and inclusive learning environments for both students and educators. “It has been a dream of mine since first grade to one day inspire and be the mentor behind future leaders, astronauts, attorneys, and doctoral students.”

About Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club:
Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment that inspires and enables all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens. To learn more about the Club and its programs, visit glencovebgc.org and discover how to become part of an organization that is helping local youth build bright futures.