Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Announces 2016 Youth of the Year

Makaela Vaughan, 18, has been awarded the Club’s most coveted title for her commitment to the Club, her leadership skills, extraordinary personal achievements, and academic excellence.

Makaela, a senior at Glen Cove High School and a stellar athlete, credits her family and sports for giving her the self-confidence and motivation needed to succeed. “Sports will take you places,” is what Makaela’s father instilled in her as a young child. Through sports, Makaela learned that she will always be able to achieve positive results if she works hard, remains focused and practices discipline. It is with these same values that Makaela tackles school and school work. She maintains a 90 GPA, is on the Honor Roll and Principal’s list and is the recipient of an Achievement in Mathematics Award. Makaela has a passion for forensics and hopes to pursue a career in Criminal Justice.

Makaela joined the Boys & Girls Club when she was a young child and returned to the Club as a teenager. She participated in the Club’s Summer Youth Employment Program last spring which led to a Counselor position in the Club’s six-week Summer Program. She proved to be such an outstanding role model for young members that she was offered a Group Leader position for the school year.

“I love working with the kids and it is really important for me to be a good mentor to them. I want them to know that they matter to me and I really want to help change their lives for the better,” said Makaela.

“We are lucky to have Makaela here working with our kids. She is very grateful for every opportunity she’s had through the Club and she is very grateful to the staff,” said Breanna Townsell, GCBGC Teen Program Director. Being a Group Leader is one of two part-time jobs Makaela juggles with school and volunteering in community service based activities including coaching basketball for the City of Glen Cove for girls ages 10-13.

“We are very proud of Makaela and all she has accomplished. She worked very hard to get where she is and her optimistic attitude towards everything she undertakes is incredibly compelling to our younger members. She truly deserves the 2016 Youth of the Year title,” said GCBGC Executive Director, Franca Trunzo.

Makaela was one of six teens considered for the Youth of the Year title. She will soon be heading to Albany to compete for the Boys & Girls Club of America New York State Youth of the Year Title.

State winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship and advance to regional competitions. Regional winners receive an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year competition for a chance at an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable up to $100,000 for four years. The National Youth of the Year represents all Boys & Girls Club youth.