Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle to Host Inaugural Youth of the Year Awards Breakfast on March 23

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., March 19, 2026 – The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle will host its first-ever Youth of the Year Awards Breakfast on Monday, March 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Davenport Mansion, bringing together community leaders, supporters and advocates to celebrate the leadership, resilience and academic excellence of the organization’s outstanding teens. Seating is limited and a strong turnout is expected for this inaugural celebration. Community members are encouraged to secure their tickets or sponsorships at
https://bit.ly/3NAsIt9.

The special event will spotlight exceptional young leaders and culminate in the announcement of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s 2026 Youth of the Year, the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. During the breakfast, guests will hear inspiring speeches from the program’s top three finalists, whose stories reflect determination, service and a deep commitment to their community. The event will also recognize several distinguished adult honorees for their leadership, service and commitment to the community.

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier leadership recognition program, honoring teens who truly embody what it means to Lead, Succeed and Inspire. This inaugural breakfast marks an important milestone for the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle as it continues to elevate youth voice and celebrate the achievements of the next generation of leaders.

“At the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, we see firsthand the extraordinary potential of our young people every day,” said William Iannuzzi, Boys & Girls Club Chief Program Officer. “The Youth of the Year program celebrates not only academic success but also leadership, character and service. This breakfast is an opportunity for our community to come together and recognize the remarkable achievements of these students while investing in their future.”

This year’s candidates each represent the strength, character and promise of the Club’s youth:

Andrew is a service-driven leader who turned personal challenges into purpose, becoming Keystone President and a mentor to younger members. He is committed to uplifting his community through leadership, empathy and resilience.

Arianna has been part of the Club since age four, growing into a confident leader through mentorship and opportunity. She now gives back as a CIT, using empathy and leadership to support younger members.

Leslie R. is a resilient and compassionate leader who turned personal hardship into purpose by mentoring younger members. She aspires to become a teacher and make a lasting impact as a trusted and caring mentor.

Alani G. is a resilient leader who turns her experiences into advocacy and mentorship, uplifting first-generation and immigrant youth. As founder of M.E.S.H., she helps students feel supported, confident and capable of success.

Ivan O., an 11th grader at the Mascaro Clubhouse, turned personal adversity into purpose, becoming a compassionate leader through Keystone, TLC and community service. He organized a toy drive that collected 300 toys for hospitalized children.

Jason W. is a dedicated leader who has spent years giving back to the Remington Clubhouse, volunteering and mentoring younger members. He hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement to continue serving and uplifting his community.

Kamya J. is a driven leader who has grown at the Remington Clubhouse for over a decade, developing a strong commitment to helping others. She plans to pursue a career in criminal justice and advocate for fairness and positive change in her community.

The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle will also recognize outstanding adult honorees whose leadership, service and commitment to community have made a lasting impact on the lives of young people and families throughout the region.

Brian Bracey serves as Director of Operations for Public Works with more than 30 years of experience in municipal service. Rising from a laborer to a leadership role, he now oversees multiple bureaus, ensuring efficient operations and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Rachel Estroff is the Chief of Staff to New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, a role she has held since 2012, leading key efforts in both district and Albany operations. She holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota and has served six years on the Harrison Central School District Board of Education.

Gustavo Barbosa is an educator and leader at New Rochelle High School, where he has served since 2004 and now leads as Chair of the Social Studies and Business Department. He is committed to inclusive education and supports youth development through both academics and athletics.

“Being Youth of the Year meant a lot to me, and now I’m proud to pass it on to someone else. I know they’re going to do an amazing job and keep making our Club proud,” said Sean Merlo, 2025 Youth of the Year.

Proceeds from the event will directly support scholarships for participants and graduating seniors, helping them pursue higher education and continue their leadership journeys.

The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle invites the community to join in celebrating youth voice, achievement and the bright future ahead for these inspiring young leaders.

Supporters can also further celebrate the honorees by purchasing a journal advertisement, available at https://bit.ly/47BcUwT.

For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.

Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective, and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at BGCNR.org