Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club December Youth of the Month

Suleyma, 10, named Junior Youth of the Month, dreams of becoming a fashion designer when she grows up. A fourth grader at Landing Elementary School, she finds design inspirations from outfits she wears for performances at the Club’s dance programs. Suleyma has been a member of the Club for four years and attends every day. She praises the Club, especially Mr. Dah-keem (Williams) and Mr. John (Andree) for helping her with her homework and encouraging her to be a better person and a better friend. “I’ve made a lot of friends at the Club and my friends are always there for me, even when we are not at the Club,” said Suleyma. In addition to the Club’s dance and swim programs, Suleyma participates in the Club’s Cooking Up Energy program where she is learning how to eat better and make healthier food choices. Her favorite subjects in school are science, social studies and math.

Senior Youth of the Month, 12 year-old Andres Garcia is in the 7th grade at Robert M. Finley Middle School. Andres envisions himself as a cardiologist when he grows up. “I’m amazed by all the parts of the heart and what it can do,” said Andres, who does well in school and favors subjects in the sciences, social studies and English. He has been a member for four years and is very active in the Club. Andres is also involved in team sports outside of the Club. He credits the Club for helping him to understand bullying behavior and the damaging effects it can have on a person. “I’ve learned to understand other people’s feelings and to become a nicer person,” said Andres. “I’m grateful to the Club for encouraging me to dream and have goals and I am especially grateful for Mr. Jordan (Alexander) who helps me with my homework and treats me with respect.”