BRATTLEBORO — Danaysa Vargas was recently named the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro's 2018 Youth of the Year, and Matthew Gordon-Macey was honored as the Club's Junior Youth of the Year.
Gordon-Macey is in the seventh grade at Brattleboro Area Middle School. A confident public speaker, he credits The Club with helping him come out of his shell and feeling comfortable talking to all kinds of people.
In April, Gordon-Macey will accompany Vargas to Montpelier, get a tour of the capital, meet the governor, and watch as Vargas competes for the title of State of Vermont Youth of the Year.
According to a news release, “Vargas is a true example of an extraordinary young woman.” At age 16, she has just been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Vermont Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 scholarship.
As Youth of the Year for The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, Vargas is among hundreds of local youths across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of academic excellence, healthy lifestyles, leadership, character, and service, as well as obstacles overcome.
Vargas is a sophomore at Brattleboro Union High School and, after high school, she looks forward to continuing her education and plans to study photojournalism.
In the ceremony attended by family, friends, and members of the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, she was not only honored to be named the local Youth of the Year winner. Vargas also received a $500 scholarship, provided by GPI Construction.
“Danaysa is the perfect example of what a Youth of the Year should be, but she is also someone who is really going to make a positive impact on the world,” said Ricky Davidson, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, in the news release. “I believe all of our members have the potential to go somewhere and make a real difference, but I know Danaysa will make a real impact. I look forward to the day when I can say 'I knew her when.'”
If Vargas wins at the state competition in April, she will compete this summer in New York City for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship.
The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2018, to compete for the title of Boys and Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by President Donald J. Trump in an Oval Office ceremony.