Vianney Godinez, Boys & Girls Club Of New Rochelle 'Youth Of The Year'

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — An exceptional New Rochelle teen is being recognized as a role model and will now have the chance to earn state and national honors — and maybe a brand new car.

The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has announced that Vianney Godinez has been named their 2023 Youth of the Year. The prestigious honor is given each year to an exceptional young person in recognition of their leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

The program, which is now in its 76th year, honors the country’s most awe-inspiring young people on their paths to future success. As Youth of the Year, Vianney will serve as an ambassador for all teens in New Rochelle, receive a $1,000 college scholarship from BGCNR, and advance to the New York State Youth of the Year competition.

"Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is honored to have Vianney representing our club as she has been truly a role model for our members," BGCNR CEO Becky Mazzanobile said. "Vinney is a leader who is bold, unafraid to always ask the tough questions, and a collaborative problem-solver. We cannot wait to see her continue to bring all her energy, heart, and passion to making our community and our world a better place."

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BGCNR describes Vianney as a "quintessential club kid." Her journey at the club began in kindergarten as a member of the Mascaro Clubhouse, and she has since been a part of many BGCNR programs, including Smart Girls, Torch Club, and the new Youth Civics Council. As a member of the Youth Civics Council, Vianney had the opportunity to advocate for youth issues on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where she also toured the White House and met First Daughter Ashley Biden. In addition to her time at BGCNR, she serves as the junior class president at New Rochelle High School.

If Vianney wins the state competition this summer, she will join other state Youths of the Year to compete for the Northeast regional title and an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five regional finalists and the Military Youth of the Year will then advance to the national Youth of the Year event in October, and compete for the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) National Youth of the Year title, an additional $50,000 scholarship, and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.