More than 70 local celebrities walked the red carpet at the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn on Wednesday night. In this case, the stars receiving raucous applause were the more than 70 members who were recognized for their outstanding performance throughout the year at the club’s second annual Night of Stars.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Youth of the Year Award to Daliany Sosa (Kids Club, ages 5-10), Ivan Feliz Urena (Drop-in, ages 8-12), and Divine Egbuta (Teen program, ages 13-18).
Anaima Piccirillo, Licensed Childcare (Kids Club) director, described Sosa as “bubbly, friendly, and always willing to learn something new and help her peers as needed.” She said Sosa has excelled in basketball and other activities and that she “embodies everything that we want from our members.”
Drop-in Program Director Darby Connolly said Urena, whose family moved to the U.S. only two years ago, has improved his English to the point that he played a role in the club’s recent theater production.
“That is a true testament to his hard work and dedication which is evident in everything he does here at the club,” Connolly said. “He makes everyone around him a better person.”
Joe Anderson, director of the teen program, said Egbuta “exudes confidence and poise. In the short time that she has been a member she has elevated herself to a leadership role. She is an outstanding student and she exemplifies what it means to be Teen Youth of the Year.”
The club’s overall Youth of the Year, Ruby Contreras, who was selected in March, was also honored at the celebration.
The club recognized the nine Members of the Month for each of the three programs, while presenting awards for education, science, service, arts, cooking, dance, cheerleading, sportsmanship, and basketball.
The 200 attendees were served food by board members and treated to an energetic dance routine by the club’s Shining Stars dance team. BGCL Associate Director Grace Duran handled emcee duties with unbridled enthusiasm that made the honorees feel special, which is the primary goal of the event.
“This is one of the highlights of the year at the club,” Executive Director Brian Therrien said. “Our staff goes the extra mile to make sure these kids and their families get the recognition they deserve. And we appreciate the support and participation of our board members.”
More than 400 members per day visit the club, “running out of the school bus and excited to be here,” Duran said.
The afterschool programs at the club end on June 7. Summer programs, which consist of the Kids Club Enrichment Program for ages 5-10 and Camp Creighton Pond summer camp in Middleton for ages 8-13, runs from June 24 to Aug. 23. Registration is available at parentportal.bgcl.org.
