LYNN — The spotlight shined on more than 100 members of the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn Thursday night at the third annual Night of Stars, an event to recognize youth for their outstanding performance throughout the year.
Youth of the Year Awards were presented to Skylar Ellis (Kids Club, ages 5-10), Alejandro Cubas (Drop-in, ages 8-12) and Meyser Ventura (Teen program, ages 13-18).
Anaima Piccirillo, Kids Club director, said Ellis “doesn’t need to be the loudest person in the room. Her actions speak louder than words.”
Drop-in program director Darby Connolly called Cubas “the gold standard of what it means to be a Boys & Girls Club member. He is kind, compassionate and treats everyone with respect.”
Ventura is “someone who stands out for his kindness, respect and willingness to go above and beyond every single day,” said Maria Alberto, Teen director. “Meyser is dependable, hard-working and always bringing a positive attitude.”
Divine Egbuta, the club’s overall Youth of the Year, was also recognized.
“Divine is an outstanding role model and advocate for youth in our community,” said Adriana Moschella, BGCL board president.
Egbuta will represent the club in the statewide competition at Gillette Stadium May 13.
The club presented a $1,500 college scholarship to Alpha Jean, a Lynn English senior who is planning to study computer engineering at Western New England University.
The club also recognized Members of the Month for each of the three programs, while presenting awards for education, science, service, arts, cooking, dance, cheerleading, sportsmanship, basketball and kindness.
More than 250 club members and their families were served dinner by board members and treated to spirited dance performances by the Kids Club and Drop-in dance teams. BGCL Associate Director Grace Duran handled emcee duties with her usual enthusiasm that made the honorees feel special.
“This is one of our best events of the year,” said Brian Therrien, BGCL executive director. “Our staff goes above and beyond to make sure these kids get the recognition they deserve and it’s great to have their families here to share it with them.”
An average of more than 400 members per day visit the club.
The after-school programs at the club end on June 6. Summer programs, which consist of Kids Club Enrichment Program for ages 5-10 and Camp Creighton Pond summer camp in Middleton for ages 8-13, runs from June 23 to August 22. Registration is available at parentportal.bgcl.org.
The club will hold a teen leadership training program May 17-18. There is a Kids Club Open House May 28 and a Camp Creighton Open House May 29. More information is available at bgcl.org.
