Josh Kraft Nicholas President and CEO
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Message from the CEO
Each year I look forward to the Youth of the Year program. It is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the remarkable youth we serve. One award recipient is chosen from each of our five free-standing Clubs, and then one is selected as BGCB's overall Youth of the Year. This year, Felix Torres from the Jordan Club in Chelsea was chosen out of hundreds of youth for this distinct honor. I know Felix personally, and I am so proud of his outstanding leadership as a Club member over the years.
At such an early age, these young people have overcome obstacles to become leaders and role models. I am grateful to the generous supporters of our teen programs, whose continued commitment to this vulnerable population helps ensure that our teen members have the confidence and support they need to reach their potential. I hope you'll take a few moments to read these impressive stories, and be as inspired by them as I am every day.
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Meet Felix Torres: Jordan Club and BGCB Youth of the Year
“I became a member in 8th grade and ever since then the Club has had such a big impact on my life. The Club and the people inside the Club are important to me. They are like my second family… Every part of the Club is a piece of my heart.”
Meet Givaughn Jones: Blue Hill Club Youth of the Year
For a kid who used to spend most of his time after school hanging around the neighborhood and doing nothing at all, Givaughn Jones has turned his life around. He attended summer camp at the Club in 2002, and remembering how much fun he had, thought “why not come back?” Now a high achiever in the classroom and on the basketball court, he has his sights set on college. “Every parent would hope for a young man of Givaughn’s character,” said one of his teachers.
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Meet Elizabeth MacDonald: Charlestown Club Youth of the Year
High school senior Elizabeth MacDonald sees community service not as a requirement, but as a labor of love. Although she often does for others, she does not seek recognition or praise for her accomplishments, but quietly gets things done. According to a close family member, Elizabeth is drawn to a career in social services because the Club laid the foundation for a rewarding life of service.
Meet Connor Nee: South Boston Club Youth of the Year
“As his older brother, I can speak to his moral character, because when we were growing up, I was the one who was always trying to corrupt it. (But) Connor always resisted my charm and did what was morally right.” – Patrick Nee
Meet Nancy Thompson: Yawkey Club of Roxbury Youth of the Year
“Every day I walk in and… it makes me happy to know there will always be people (at the Club) to ask me how my day went, and they will still be there if my day didn’t go that well. I know everyone here wants to see me succeed in life, therefore, I work even harder in order to not let myself or anyone else down.”
