Rory Smith Named Youth of Year by Wakeman Boys & Girls Club

Southport, CT - Selected from among twelve outstanding finalists from across Wakeman's two clubhouses and two school-based sites, Rory Smith has been named the 2019 Youth of the Year by Wakeman Boys & Girls Club.

A Roger Ludlowe High School senior, Rory was also recognized with Girl of the Year honors for the Southport Clubhouse, while the clubhouse celebrated Roger Ludlowe High School senior Mason Zane as Boy of the Year. At the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Multi Magnet School senior Ashli Lowe earned Girl of the Year honors.

Rory's membership at the Club extends back to first grade, with her current leadership activities including Keystone Club, Junior Staff, Pee Wee Basketball League Coach and McKinley Mentor.

"The programs the Club has offered me and all the activities I've been able to participate in helped shape who I am," said Rory.

The Youth, Girl, and Boy of the Year titles are prestigious Boys & Girls Club honors bestowed upon exemplary teens in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

Now in its 72nd year, the Youth of the Year program honors the nation's most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.

"Rory listens intently and focuses on the positives in any situation she faces. She is a person of integrity; humble, but possessing a strong sense of self, passionate about many aspects of her life, but most of all, she is genuine," said Program Director Maria Cimina. "Whether volunteering in Keystone Club, McKinley Mentoring or as a Junior Staff, Rory takes her role as a leader seriously and works hard to lead by example. Her impact is far reaching, and she has truly only just started to scrape the surface of her potential.

Rory will represent Wakeman at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Connecticut Youth of the Year program in the State Capitol May 14-15, where she will meet with state legislators and Youth of the Year from fifteen other Connecticut Clubs. Rory, Ashli and Mason will also be among the twelve Wakeman finalists celebrated this spring by Wakeman Boys & Girls Club's staff and board at its annual Youth of the Year evening.

"Rory's involvement reaches kids throughout the Clubhouse. She shines as a role model and embodies all the best values Wakeman seeks to instill in our members," Southport Unit DirectorClare Mahoneysaid. "We're proud of Rory for her constant focus on being an enthusiastic, positive force in our Club and our community."

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is grateful for the community leaders who graciously served on the Interview Panels including Erin Russell (Alpha House), Colin Arsenault (Southport Unit Advisory Board), John Barlow (Lifelong Club Volunteer) on Southport Clubhouse panel; Ellen Tracy (Big Brothers/Big Sisters), Dave Hennessey (Retired Educator) on Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse panel; and Kelli Meyer (University of Bridgeport), Mike Bayles (Wakeman Trustee), Carla Gavey (Wakeman Trustee) on the organization's Youth of Year panel.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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