Meet Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club’s 2018 Youth of the Year

In recognition of her academic excellence, leadership abilities and dedication and commitment to the Club, Trinity G., 15, has been named Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club’s 2018 Youth of the Year.

Trinity, a 10th grader at Glen Cove High School, is an honor roll student who plans on attending medical school after college to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. “I have excelled academically for as long as I can remember,” said Trinity who credits her father for instilling important values and being her greatest motivator in encouraging her to focus on school and make education her number one priority. Trinity is currently enrolled in all Honors Courses, is on the Principle’s List and has received an Academic Success Award. Trinity’s commitment to academics is apparent in the choices she makes and influential in helping her avoid peer pressure or situations that can be a detriment to her success.

Trinity credits the Club with helping her stay centered and providing the guidance she needs to pursue her goals. “When I walked in this building I never thought that my life would be impacted so greatly. Throughout my six years of being here, I have truly learned so much,” said Trinity who has continued to remain a regular and active member during her tenure. She is currently involved in many academic programs including STEM Learning, SMART Girls, Cooking Up Energy and College Champions. A born leader, Trinity often takes full advantage of Club volunteer opportunities and happily dives into projects where she can help make a difference in the Glen Cove community through a Beach Clean Up project, or represent the Club as a Teen Ambassador or put together Thanksgiving Baskets for member families. “The Club is much more than a club to me, it has presented many experiences I would never have had otherwise and with each experience I learned so much more including how to work with other people well and problem solve to find solutions and positive outcomes. Thanks to the Club I know I have what it takes to be a leader and work well with my peers in order for us to be great together.”

The Club has also encouraged Trinity to try new challenges, challenges that she may not have considered before. “I have always loved singing but I was scared to do so in front of an audience.” Through staff encouragement, Trinity decided to face her fears and sing in front of her peers. “That applause in that moment was the validation I needed to overcome my fears and feel comfortable singing in front of other people.” Trinity is now a member of the Select Chorale at Glen Cove High School. “The most important thing I can thank the Club for is their constant support. I always feel that the staff cares about me and believes in me, sometimes more than I believe in myself, and I am eternally grateful for their unconditional love and care.”

Trinity hopes to give back and play a pivotal role and leader in the Glen Cove community and at the Club. “I hope to be able to make a difference in the lives of the children in our community someday. But what I would tell all kids right now is not to let your circumstances define who you are or who you can become. We are all capable of achieving great things, through hard work and perseverance.”

The Youth of the Year title is the most coveted award at the Club. Trinity was one of five 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.