NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Selected among several local outstanding Club Members, Mariah Latty earned the title of Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the New York State Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, 15-year old Mariah is a true example of an extraordinary young woman recognized by for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club member can receive. As the Boys & Girls Club’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Mariah could be another statistic but instead she has chosen to excel in the areas of community, school and her Club and to pursue her life goals with excellence”, said Quay Watkins, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle.
Mariah, a sophomore at Marie Curie High School, has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s Remington Unit for over 5 years. To the average person, Mariah seems to be a typical high school teenager. To the Boys & Girls Club, Latty is a true story of inspiration.
Latty found a second home at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. She is active on the track team and participates in community service projects. Mariah also assists as a Junior Club Staff member.
“What’s right in my life is the fact that I have life, what’s right is the Boys & Girls Club, what’s right is I have a chance to be great, and what’s right is that I am determined to go against all the odds and accomplish all of my dreams” says Mariah. With her positive attitude and dedication to community service, Latty has become a role model for her peers, and an inspiration for staff and volunteers.
If Mariah wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2013, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle
For over eighty years, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has provided a fun and safe environment for youth, ages 5-18, to learn, play, meet new friends and grow. From sports, digital arts and media to group activities and tutoring, the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle provides top-quality programs to over 2,000 area youth each year. Whether it is learning how an individual can make a difference in his/her community or learning how to play basketball – the Clubs strive to help youth feel important and put their dreams of a great future within reach. For more information, visit www.bgcnr.org
