“Armando is a tremendous youth member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and an outstanding citizen in his community. He is a wonderful example of the leadership and attributes we aim to develop within every single Club member. His journey exemplifies the power of discovering a passion and leveraging it to shape one’s future.”
– Robert Lewis, Jr. Nicholas President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) has named Armando Arce Lobato the organization’s 2024 Youth of the Year. The annual honor recognizes a Club member who exemplifies distinct leadership abilities, academic achievement, and dedication to their community. Embodying the values of leadership and service, Lobato has emerged as a peer leader at BGCB’s Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club in Chelsea within his roles as:
- President of the Torch Club, a BGCB group which instills tolerance, civic responsibility, leadership, and community involvement for members ages 11 to 13 by hosting fundraisers and planning community and Club service projects
- President of Keystone Club, which provides leadership opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18
- BGCB Teen Associate and peer mentor
Lobato’s dedication to community service, fundraising initiatives, and personal growth has been exemplary to the Chelsea community. Amidst challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lobato’s leadership was pivotal. When the Jordan Club’s Keystone Club temporarily ceased operations, Lobato took the initiative to lead its revival, showcasing his resilience and commitment to supporting his peers and community during the difficult time.
Lobato immigrated to the United States with his family from Mexico when he was nine years old and soon thereafter walked through the welcoming doors of the Jordan Club. There, he discovered a nurturing environment that helped him find his passion for engineering, particularly automotive engineering. Through the Club’s comprehensive programs and dedicated mentors, Lobato was empowered to excel academically, garnering prestigious awards such as the Craftsmanship Award and a medal in the Massachusetts Power Equipment Competition at Northeast Metro Technical High School.
Armando Arce Lobato, BGCB Youth of the Year
“Armando is a tremendous youth member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and an outstanding citizen in his community,” said Robert Lewis Jr., Nicholas President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. “He is a wonderful example of the leadership and attributes we aim to develop within every single Club member. His journey exemplifies the power of discovering a passion and leveraging it to shape one’s future.”
With the guidance of the Jordan Club and his vocational education, Lobato plans to transform his automotive engineering skills into a thriving career in motorsport, with a dream of working in Formula 1. After high school, he intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering at a four-year university.
About Youth of the Year at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Armando had tough competition from the Youth of the Year winners from each individual Club:
- Charlestown Club: Malayna Vicente
- Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club: Emilio Cabey
- Gerald & Darlene Jordan Club: Armando Arce Lobato (BGCB Winner)
- Edgerley Family South Boston Club: Jack Thomas
- Yawkey Club of Roxbury: Crystal Williams
- Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center: Ryann Scott
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.
Club Youth of the Year (left to right) Malayna, Emilio, Jack, Crystal, Ryann
In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. With a grassroots beginning in 1947, Youth of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive leadership development program, which includes:
- Youth of the Month – Leadership Recognition Program
- Junior Youth of the Year – Leadership Readiness Program, and
- Youth of the Year – Leadership Development Program
