BRATTLEBORO — Gabriel Britton was recently selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Vermont Youth of the Year title, and a $1,000 scholarship from the Tupperware Foundation.
As the Youth of the Year for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Brattleboro, Britton, 15, is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for 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. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.
Britton is a sophomore at Brattleboro Union High School and a member of the BUHS cross country and Nordic ski teams.
In a heartfelt ceremony attended by family, friends and members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brattleboro on Feb. 15, at the River Garden, Britton was not only honored as the local Youth of the Year winner, but he also received a $500 scholarship provided by Citizen's Bank.
“Gabe exemplifies what Youth of the Year means,” said Beth Baldwin, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brattleboro. “He has overcome his share of obstacles and strives to do better today than yesterday, always thinking of others and being willing to lend a helping hand. In his own quirky way, Gabe is the best kind of role model for all youth, he works hard at being the best he can be at everything he does and is very active within the club and the community.”
If Britton wins at the state competition in April, he will then compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship.
The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2012 to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by President Obama in an Oval Office ceremony.