Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club

Junior Youth of the Month Jeffrey A. is a 10-year-old 4th grader who is curious and eager to learn. He values his teachers and the support they provide at school. Science stands out as his preferred subject, where he can engage in hands-on experiments and discover how things work. He also enjoys reading books about dolphins and the I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis. Jeffrey is active in sports and is working on improving his soccer skills while continuing to build his basketball abilities, a game he has played since kindergarten that gives him opportunities to try creative moves. As a member of the Club for three years now, Jeffrey credits the Club for helping him become more outgoing. He takes pride in welcoming new members, showing them around and hopefully encouraging them to be sociable. He describes the Club as a safe, welcoming place where he can have fun, learn new skills, and be himself, adding “The Club is a safe place to enjoy life.”Furthermore, Jeffrey has strengthened his reading skills and developed an interest in coding. Most recently he created a chatbot that answers questions about dolphins, a species he is very interested in. Outside of school and the Club, Jeffrey cherishes spending time with his family, drawing, watching television, and listening to music on YouTube, especially his favorite band, The Living Tombstone. When asked about future career goals, Jeffrey expressed an interest in working in the food service industry.

Senior Youth of the Month Sergio G.R. is eleven years old and in the sixth grade. He enjoys many school subjects, with science standing out in particular for its engaging, hands-on experiments that spark his curiosity. In addition to his interest in learning, Sergio actively plays sports and is a member of the Glen Cove Typhoons travel soccer team. His hobbies include playing Fortnite on his PS5, which he describes as his “superpower,” and watching movies based on books, such as Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan. When not immersed in gaming or films, he prefers spending time outdoors, where he can enjoy fresh air and feel the grass. He finds being outside more stimulating than staying indoors. Sergio has been a Club member for five years and has actively participated in gym-based programs including volleyball, basketball, and soccer. He credits the Club with supporting his well-being, helping him grow socially, and providing a positive break from school stress. He has also had the opportunity to record music in the Club’s Music Studio, where he explored a new creative outlet. Additionally, Sergio expressed that the Club is special because of its activities, including an upcoming visit to the local animal shelter where teens will have the opportunity to interact with the animals. “To me, the Club means friendship, and if a new member were nervous on their first day, I would tell them to ‘lock in,’” said Sergio, who strives to make the most of his experiences. He looks forward to attending college and medical school with the goal of becoming a physician.