Boys & Girls Club names Youth of Year
MILFORD – Marrissa Allen was named the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Norman Adams Youth of the Year during an awards ceremony in the club’s Amato Center last week.
Allen, a senior at Milford High School and a club member for eight years, said it is not only a place to have fun, it also gave her a "no-judgment zone," a safe space where she could be comfortable.
"Working with kids helped me to get over so many insecurities," she told the audience. "When I see a child who doesn’t speak up, I make a point of talking to them. I am stronger, more confident. I will be forever grateful."
Other awards presented were:
- Abby Forrence was named Community Champion for encouraging healthy lifestyles with the Fuel-Up to Play 60 club.
- Ciardelli Fuel Co., Civic Supporter of the Year.
- Chuck Barker, Volunteer of the Year.
- Staff members Sean Costello, Robin LaCroix and Bob McIlvaine were recognized for their dedication to the club.
Before the awards announcements, past Youth of the Year recipients were shown on video explaining how the club had made them kinder, more compassionate and open-minded, and allowed them to forget their self-consciousness and focus on others.
– KATHY CLEVELAND