Shelton, CT — The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is proud to announce that Alleyanna F. has been named the 2025 Youth of the Year. This prestigious title is awarded annually to an exceptional Club member who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Alleyanna, a member of the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, was selected from an outstanding pool of candidates, including Ava B. from the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse. Both young women exemplify the mission and values of the Boys & Girls Club, making this an especially difficult decision for the panel of judges.
“We are incredibly proud of Alleyanna and Ava for their hard work, dedication, and leadership,” said Shaye Roscoe, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. “Their passion and perseverance inspire us all, and we are confident that Alleyanna will represent our community with excellence at the state-level competition.”
Alleyanna will now advance to the Connecticut State Youth of the Year Competition, where she will compete for the opportunity to represent the Club at the state level.
A Special Thanks to Our Supporters
The Boys & Girls Club extends its sincere gratitude to our panel of esteemed judges, whose time, dedication, and thoughtful deliberation were instrumental in the selection process:
- Jimmy Tickey – Congressman Jim Himes
- Brian Marcucio – MCS Courier
- Melissa Sheketoff – Melissa in the Morning, WICC
- Bobbi-Ann Berglund – Thor Specialties
- Bing Carbone – Modern Plastics
Additionally, the Club is deeply grateful to the family of Jimmy Olayos Jr. for their generous contribution to the Youth of the Year scholarships in his honor, as well as to Board Member Brian Marcucio for his heartfelt support and contributions to the finalists’ scholarships.
About Youth of the Year
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the nation’s most inspiring teens. Candidates are selected based on their commitment to Health & Well-Being, Character & Leadership, Academic Success, and Life & Workforce Readiness. The program serves as a platform for young leaders to share their stories, advocate for youth, and inspire future generations.
The National Youth of the Year serves as a spokesperson for the 3.3 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, elevating key issues and representing the voice of America’s young people.
About the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
For more than 65 years, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has provided young people with a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Through transformative programs in education, leadership, and healthy living, the Club empowers youth to build bright futures.