The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield (BGCR) community including families, Club members and alumni as well as supporters, community leaders and the outstanding Club staff and Board of Directors, gathered last night for what is the most anticipated event of the year for the Club family.
The Youth Leadership Dinner is a night to celebrate the Club and the youth that make it the special place that it is! Now in its 76th year, the Youth of the Year program honors the most awe-inspiring young leaders who positively impact the Club and Ridgefield community as a whole.
With Mike Flynn at the helm and a dedicated Club staff, countless young people in our community credit the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield with changing the trajectory of their lives for the better. Last night, at the Amber Room in Danbury, BGCR family and supporters had the opportunity to listen to their stories and honor them.
From the first day I walked through the doors of the Club, I was accepted
The Club is more than paintbrushes and basketball hoops; it is the lessons we learn and the memories we make
The Club:
... is my second family
... represents kindness and safety
... helped shape who I am today and I'm forever grateful
... taught me invaluable life skills that I have been able to use when leading and implementing projects to give back to the community
... taught me that the power of self-love creates happiness
... is a place where I learn to do the right thing and give back to the community
... has taught me that limits are only in your mind
... helped me become the best version of myself
Character and Leadership awards preceded the mainstage event of the evening - naming the 2023 Youth of the Year, and Junior Youth of the Year.
Annie Cozens, 2020 Youth of the Year and Club staff member had the honor of awarding Ridgefield High School sophomore Sophia Murray with the esteemed Junior Youth of the Year award. Introduced in 2021 the Junior Youth of the Year program provides freshmen and sophomores with the training and practice to move on to the Youth of the Year program.
As thirteen incredible Youth of the Year candidates stood in anticipation, Carter Dean, the 2022 Youth of the Year who is studying abroad and appeared via satellite, had the honor of announcing the 2023 Youth of the Year; the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a Club member.
From an outstanding group of candidates, 7 year Club member, and a senior at RHS, Sydney Rossi was crowned the 2023 Youth of the Year! With humility and tears of joy, Rossi accepted her award. Megan and Chris Couri, on behalf of the Couri family, awarded Rossi a scholarship for $5,000.
For nearly two decades, the Youth of the Year program has recognized and celebrated the extraordinary achievements of local teens.
We are beyond grateful to the BGCR staff including Mike, Kristin Goncalves, Jeff Goncalves, Annie and Timmy Cozens, and Triston Philip for all you do for our youth. The work you do is among the most important in the world.
Learn more about BGCR here.