 |
| Left to Right (Megan Hammes, Jennifer Brisebois, Dan Finan) |
Milford, NH 3/26/2014 – The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley hosted its annual Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony to celebrate members, volunteers, and supporters of the club and community on March 20th, 2014. The evening began with recognition of Jennifer Brisebois (Amherst), Dan Finan (Milford) and Megan Hammes (Milford), three teens who were nominated as Youth of the Year for their sound character, leadership abilities and the willingness to give back to their community.
Among these outstanding youth, Dan Finan was named the 2014 Norman Adams Youth of the Year, awarded with a $1,000 James G. D’Amato Scholarship.
“I can say without a doubt that the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley has made me a better person,” stated Finan, “and I couldn't be more thankful for it.”
Dan is a senior at Milford High School and has been accepted to the University of Rhode Island with plans to study electrical engineering in the fall. He’s been a member of the Club for 4 years, and first started coming to the club through the summer CIT program. Dan is a past “Youth Volunteer of the Year” and currently works as a youth counselor. He is also active in the Club’s theater program spending countless hours volunteering backstage.
In addition, finalists Jennifer Brisebois and Megan Hammes each received a $500 scholarship from the Mort Goulder Scholarship Fund to further their education. During the ceremony, Jennifer Brisebois was also named Teen Volunteer of the Year, Ray Bent of Mont Vernon was named volunteer of the year, and Civic Supporter of the Year, the Frank E. Kaley Fund, was recognized for its commitment to the Club and the youth in our community.
Youth of the Year judges, Rob Audibert, Boys & Girls Club Board Member, Officer Dan Campbell of the Milford Police Department, and Nancy Maguire, Jacques Elementary School Principal, all received recognition plaques for their part in the Youth of the Year selection process.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. “Dan is an amazing young man,” said Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “He works hard to be the best he can be and sets a wonderful example for all our members.”
Dan Finan will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members in the state for the New Hampshire Youth of the Year title on May 15th in Concord, NH.
As BGCA’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.About Norman Adams
Norman K. Adams, a long-time Milford resident, left a gift to the Club when he passed away. Mr. Adams was well-known as someone who supported the youth in our community, acting as the "bicycle man" making sure every child had a bicycle. He drove his 1930 Model A Ford in many parades and was a member of the antique auto club. His gift created a lasting legacy that will benefit thousands of children in our community through the establishment of the Norman Adams Teen Center and Youth of the Year Award.
About James G. D'Amato
James G. D'Amato, a lifelong resident of Milford, N.H., was very active in community affairs, serving in many roles for various nonprofit organizations in the community he loved. He is remembered as a friendly man with a love for children and a commitment to the community. At the time of his death, he was involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, Milford Do-it Main Street Program, the Wadleigh Memorial Library Development Fund, and as Trustee of Trust Funds Milford. The James G. D'Amato Scholarship Fund was created to continue his legacy of support, caring and unflagging commitment to the youth in our community.
