Medford Youth Boys & Girls Club ‘Youth of the Year’

Selected among several outstanding peers, Rory Robinson was chosen to compete against Youth of the Year winners from the other Boys & Girls Club of Middlesex County Clubhouses in Cambridge, Somerville, and Everett for the title of Middlesex County Youth of the Year. As the new Youth of the Year for Medford, 14-year old Rory is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his 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. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“We are so proud of all of our nominees and especially of Rory as our Medford Youth of the Year. Rory is an exceptional young man and has demonstrated all of the qualities we look for in a Youth of the Year winner. He is a good friend, neighbor, leader among his peers and has helped make our Club and our community a better place,” said Lindsay Smythe, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Middlesex County.

Rory’s service to the Club has been remarkable. As a teen Club member, he was excited to volunteer to serve the Club as a Junior Staff member. The Club had originally set him up to come and volunteer once a week, but Rory asked if he could come in and help every day. Rory has proven to be a fast learner and has demonstrated his willingness to be a role model for Clubhouse members. Community service involvement is very important to him. When Rory was younger, he put together a book drive with his friends to benefit children at orphanages. He is proud of this literacy project and enjoys enthusiastically sharing his story of accomplishment and success to inspire others.

Regarding Rory’s role as a junior staff volunteer, Assistant Club Director Luis Vasquez states “As Rory’s supervisor at the Club, I cannot think of one instance where Rory has declined to carry out a task or made an excuse to avoid doing a job. Even after a tiring afternoon at football practice, Rory arrives at the Club energetic and eager to help. Seeing the growth he has made overcoming his struggles in the past year, it has been a privilege to watch him care about his quality of work and commitment to the Club.”

Despite Rory’s struggle with getting his grades to where he wants them to be, he has committed to staying after school with his teachers as often as he can. Though he came close to not progressing from 8th grade to high school, Rory came to the Club every day to work on his schoolwork with the pre-teen program director and as a result was able to pass and move into 9th grade this past school year. He has realized the importance of achieving high marks and the rewards they can bring to his life after high school. He hopes to go on to become a police officer when he finishes school.

If Rory wins at the county competition, he will then compete at the state level for the title of Massachusetts Youth of the Year and have the opportunity to win college scholarships and move on to the Northeast Region Youth of the Year competition.

The other exceptional candidates for the Medford Club Youth of the Year were: Widdner Fortune, age 15, Claudiegh Decoline, age 14, Malley Andemeskel, age 12, Joseph Lotto, age 12, and Mya Winslow, age 12.

About the Boys and Girls Clubs of Middlesex County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Middlesex County is an independent, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. With Clubs in Medford, Cambridge, Somerville and Everett our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as caring, productive and responsible citizens. Clubhouses are designed and operated to provide a safe, supportive haven during out of school time that fosters academic, creative, leadership, and health-minded skills in youth during critical periods of their growth. Each year our Clubs serve more than 1,500 youth members. We invite you to learn more at www.kidsclubs.org or www.facebook.com/bgcmiddlesex.

– Information from Boys and Girls Club