Over the years, National Life Group has been a supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs in Vermont and Texas, providing financial support as well as volunteers. Now we can add “judge” to that list.
Recently, Jessica Russo had the opportunity to be one of three judges to select the Vermont Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year winner. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson. These individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof of the impact Clubs make in transforming kids’ lives.
Jess spent the day with two other judges, David Tabaruka from the Community College of Vermont and Ruth Henry from the Vermont Community Foundation listening to six candidates who shared their personal stories of how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Burlington, Brattleboro, and Rutland helped them overcome personal challenges and obstacles including mental health and gender identity.
The judges announced the winner in a room full of legislators and representatives from the Boys & Girls Club, Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer who is an alumni of Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, and keynote speaker Kevin Chu who is also an alumni of the Club.
After difficult deliberation, Sarah Ali from the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington was chosen to be the 2023 Youth of the Year winner of Vermont. Sarah won a $2,500 scholarship and the incredible honor of representing the state of Vermont at the regional competition.
The Boys & Girls Club mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Mentoring is a great way to get involved with Boys & Girls Clubs and give back to children in our communities.