BRATTLEBORO — In a heartfelt ceremony in the Robert H. Gibson River Garden on Feb. 11, Isiaha Greene was named the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro 2015 Youth of the Year.
Greene, 18, described by event organizers as “a true example of an extraordinary young man,” is recognized for outstanding high achievement in the areas of academic excellence, healthy lifestyles, leadership, character and service as well as obstacles overcome.
“Isiaha is what you would call a quiet leader, doing the right thing, being everyone's friend and helping his peers to see the bigger picture with the goal of seeing them make better choices,” said Beth Baldwin, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brattleboro. “[He] exemplifies what Youth of the Year means.”
The Brattleboro Union High School senior joins 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 their respective communities.
Greene is looking forward to continuing to his education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and plans to become a stockbroker.
In the ceremony, attended by family, friends, and members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brattleboro, Greene also received a $500 scholarship provided by River Valley Credit Union.
He will also compete in April against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Vermont Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship. If Greene wins, he will compete this summer in New York City for Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship.
The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September to compete for the National Youth of the Year.
The person named to that title receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by the president of the United States in an Oval Office ceremony.
Baldwin said Greene 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 way, Isiaha is the best kind of role model for all youth,” she added. “He works hard at being the best he can be at everything he does.”