Megan Hammes Named 2015 Youth of the Year
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| Left to Right (Katy Osterholtz, Callie Cinque, Meghan McKnight, Jon Merchant, Robert Desmond, & Megan Hammes) |
Milford, NH 2/12/2015 – On February 12th, 2015 The Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley hosted its annual Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony to celebrate members, staff, volunteers, and supporters of the club and community. The highlight of the evening was recognition of six Club members 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 candidates Callie Cinque (Amherst), Robert Desmond (Milford), Megan Hammes (Milford), Meghan McKnight (Amherst), Jon Merchant (Milford), and Katy Osterholtz (Amherst) all took to the podium to share their story of how the club impacts their life.
Among these outstanding teens, Megan Hammes was named the 2015 Norman Adams Youth of the Year receiving the $1,000 James G. D’Amato Scholarship. In addition, finalists Katy Osterholtz and Robert Desmond each received a $500 scholarship from the Mort Goulder Scholarship Fund to further their education.
Megan is currently a senior at Milford High School and has been a Club member for over 8 years. She enjoys performing in shows and participating in Keystone Club. Her commitment to service is evident from organizing food drives to helping with fundraisers at the Club, her church, or at school.
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| Left to Right (Fran Heaton, Caitlin Hunter, Sara Larabee) |
The evening began with the recognition of three staff members dedicated to the mission of the Club. Fran Heaton and Sara Larabee were awarded 5 year service medals and Caitlin Hunter was acknowledged for her 10 years of service to the Club.
During the ceremony, Monica Gallant of Brookline was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with CAST (Community Action for Safe Teens). Tom Knapp from Amherst Middle School and Helene Bureau from Heron Pond Elementary School were also acknowledged as community champions for their dedication to the youth in our community, and Civic Supporter of the Year, The Copy Shop, was recognized for its commitment and support of the Club. The following teen Club members were also recognized for their leadership through theater accomplishments. Megan Dillon, Matt Katsigianis, Meghan McKnight, Leah Troie, and Katy Osterholtz were applauded for their efforts producing Disney’s The Little Mermaid in August 2014, while Alyssa Lederhos was thanked for her leadership in directing and producing September’s Little Shop of Horrors.
Youth of the Year judges, Mike Tule, Vice President of the Club’s Board of Directors, Officer Dan Campbell of the Milford Police Department , and Chantal Alcox, Heron Pond Elementary School Principal all received recognition plaques for their part in the Youth of the Year selection process.
Megan Hammes will now compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the New Hampshire Youth of the Year title and a $10,000 college scholarship from Disney. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. “Megan is an outstanding young woman,” said Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “Her positive attitude, hard work, and dedication to service 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 (BGCSV) strives to help all young people, especially those who need us most, be great today and develop into productive caring, responsible, citizens tomorrow. To support its mission, the BGCSV offers daily access to a broad range of programs designed to help kids succeed academically, be engaged citizens, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Visit www.svbgc.org for more information.
