Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club October Youth of the Month

Eight year old Shefali Mahapatro, a fourth grader at Connolly Elementary School, plans on becoming a veterinarian or a doctor when she grows up. “I really want to pursue a career in medicine. I want to help people and animals,” said Shefali who has a keen interest in math and science but also enjoys reading. Shefali has been a member for almost two years and credits the Club for encouraging her to try new things and to do things she would otherwise shy away from. “I was not really a sports person until I came to the Club. Now I’m actually thinking about trying out for basketball. I would never have considered doing this before.” In addition to sports and playing in the gym, Shefali also enjoys the Dance program and Technology programs the Club has to offer. Shefali, who comes to the Club almost every day, has made many friends and has a special bond with group leader Ms. Lyasia (Milledge).

Senior Youth of the Month, Edward Moyaho, 13, also attends the Club most days and considers the Club to be a safe place to go after school and his home away from home. Edward enjoys science and social studies at school and hopes to become a director or comedian when he grows up. “The Club has helped me to become a different person. I used to fight a lot but now I’m calmer, like I have a different personality, and I think the Club has helped to bring out the comedian in me,” said Edward. He enjoys participating in sports, volunteer programs with the Torch Club and the Club’s technology programs. In fact, he credits Technology Coordinator Mr. Matt (Gagliardi), for introducing him to filmmaking and teaching him how to make videos. I”I like to make people laugh and I make funny videos which are posted on Youtube. I would really like to attend film school somewhere close to home, maybe NYU,” Edward has a great respect for his Group Leaders and praises them for helping him with his homework, providing guidance and encouraging him to grow up and become more mature.