Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Impressive New Members

The new school year has been very exciting for four freshman members at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club who have been named Youth of the Month for September and October. Hellem E. and Dillon S. were named Youth of the Month for September while Londyn B. and Fernando A. scored the title for October.

Septembers’ Junior Youth of the Month, Hellem is in the first grade and thoroughly enjoys math and reading, favoring stories that revolve around dogs. Hellem, 6, was very excited about joining the Club after hearing about so many activities the Club offered to her older brother. As a new member, she is participating in many programs including Homework Help as well as Health and Wellness initiatives where she is learning about healthy options while taking part in hands-on cooking. She has made many friends at the Club and is thrilled to be exploring all the new and exciting opportunities presented to her. In addition to spending time at the Club with her friends and her brother, she enjoys playing baseball, tennis and dancing hip hop. For her future plans, Hellem hopes to become a teacher when she grows up, a career that may be her calling as she is a great example to the other members in her group and loves helping them with their meals and homework.

Dillon, the Senior Youth of the Month for September, is 15 years old and in the 10th grade. He is a seasoned member, having attended the Club for more than eight years. Through his tenure, Dillon has attended the Club regularly and been involved in many Club activities and sports programs. He is now engaged in many of the Club’s teen initiatives. “The Club is a great place to go to but it has also made a big difference in me. It’s helped me to be more outgoing,” said Dillon. In fact, the staff have taken notice of how much he has come out of his shell over the past few years. The Club has also helped Dillon academically by improving his grades. Dillon gravitates towards the sciences and enjoys playing soccer and basketball. He’s not sure what career path he would like to follow but he is looking forward to high school graduation and attending college.

October’s Junior Youth of the Month is eight-year-old Londyn B. who is in the third grade. In spite of her very busy schedule participating in cheerleading, track and taking two dance classes, Londyn attends the Club every day. As a new member, she is just beginning to learn about all the Club and what it has to offer, including homework assistance, dance programs, arts and sports. She is a burst of energy and has made friends very quickly because of her engaging personality. She can often be found helping the staff or her peers with their homework. Londyn loves to draw and is looking forward to spending more time in the Art room. She also likes to sing and read. Her favorite books are Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Londyn, who is not quite sure what she wants to be when she grows up, is just enjoying being in the moment for now.

Senior Youth of the Month, Fernando S., is new to the Club and credits the staff for helping him with his language skills. While Fernando is fluent in Spanish, he is working very hard on improving and eventually mastering the English language as well. Fernando loves attending the Club and finds himself becoming more and more outgoing and engaged every day. Fernando enjoys learning in general but also likes sports, especially soccer and basketball. He is grateful for the sports programs in the Club which have helped him make many friends, all of whom are helping him to become more outgoing and be more comfortable in his new environment. Fernando is not sure what the future holds for him career wise but he is open to exploring all opportunities. “I feel very safe at the Club and I’m very happy coming to the Club. I am learning more and more English and it is getting easier and easier by the day,” said Fernando.