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| Left to Right: Finalists Emma Ayotte, Brenna McClain, and 2013 Youth of the Year Patrick McKnight |
Patrick McKnight Named 2013 Youth of the
Year
Milford, NH 3/22/2013 – On March 21st, 2013 The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley hosted it’s annual Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony to celebrate members, volunteers, and supporters of the club and community. The evening began with the recognition of seven teens who were nominated as Youth of the Year for their sound character, leadership abilities and the willingness to give back to their community. Youth of the Year nominees included Rebekkah Colclasure (Milford), Rachel White (Amherst), Jennifer Brisebois (Amherst), Dan Finan (Milford) and finalists, Patrick McKnight (Amherst), Emma Ayotte (Milford), and Brenna McClain (Bedford) who took to the podium to share their story of how the club impacts their life.
Among these outstanding youth, Patrick McKnight was named the 2013 Norman Adams Youth of the Year receiving the $1,000 James G. D’Amato Scholarship. In addition, finalists Emma Ayotte and Brenna McClain each received a $500 scholarship from the Mort Goulder Scholarship Fund to further their education. “We could not be more proud of our youth of the year finalists”, stated Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “They all provide an amazing example of the Club’s impact on the lives of its members”.
Special recognition awards were given out to four outstanding high school students who completed their senior class projects as part of the Club’s Leadership through Theater program. In September, Meghan Bedard of Amherst directed the comedy “And Then There Was Nun”. In November, Patrick McKnight of Amherst designed and built the set for “Oliver!”. In January, Brenna McClain of Bedford co-produced 101 Dalmatians. And just last month, Rachel White of Amherst directed and choreographed a cast of 55 in the all-dance production, A Timeless Beat.
During the ceremony, Tyler Soucy of Milford was named teen Volunteer of the Year, Heidi Kerris of Milford and Bob Heaton of Amherst were named volunteers of the year, and Civic Supporter of the Year, Cirtronics Corporation was recognized for its commitment to the Club and the youth in our community.
In attendance were Youth of the Year judges, Mike Viola, Chief of Police for the Town of Milford, Adria Bagshaw, local business owner, and John Ingram, Principal of Souhegan High School.
Patrick McKnight will now compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the New Hampshire Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. “Patrick 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.”
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.
About the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley
A nonprofit organization, the Boys & Girls Club
of Souhegan Valley strives to create opportunities that enhance the quality of
life for youth of all backgrounds, with special concern for those that need us
most. To support our mission to help kids “be great” BGCSV offers daily access
to a broad range of programs designed to help kids explore, learn and grow.
Visit www.svbgc.org for more information.
