Shelton, CT — The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is proud to announce Gianna J. as the 2026 Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse Youth of the Year and Jayden W. as the 2026 Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse Youth of the Year.
These two exceptional Club members will advance to the final stage of the Youth of the Year competition, where they will participate in an interview and judging process with community leaders and friends of the Club. One finalist will ultimately be selected to represent the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley at the Connecticut State Youth of the Year competition as part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement.
The Youth of the Year title is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. It is awarded annually to an outstanding teen who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service to others, academic excellence, and a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.
Jayden, representing the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, was selected as a standout candidate alongside Gianna from the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse. Both high school students and longtime Club members embody the mission and values of the Boys & Girls Club, making the decision an especially difficult one for the panel of judges.
“We are incredibly proud of both Gianna and Jayden for their hard work, dedication, and leadership,” said Shaye Roscoe, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. “They represent the very best of what our Club stands for, and we are excited to see them continue to grow as leaders in our community.”
A Special Thanks to Our Supporters
The Boys & Girls Club extends its sincere gratitude to the panel of esteemed judges whose time, dedication, and thoughtful deliberation helped guide this year’s selection process:
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Jimmy Tickey, Congressman Jim Himes
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Hank Baum, Mutual Security Credit Union
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Kelly Shaw, Retired Nurse
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Chuck Hatchett, Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur
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John DiMatteo, DiMatteo Group Financial Services
The Club is also deeply grateful to the family of Jimmy Olayos Jr. for their generous contribution to the Youth of the Year scholarships in his honor. This meaningful tradition helps celebrate Jimmy’s legacy and ensures our finalists continue to have a truly “Big Day.”
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 evaluated based on their commitment to Health & Well-Being, Character & Leadership, Academic Success, and Life & Workforce Readiness.
The program provides a powerful platform for young leaders to share their stories, advocate for youth, and inspire future generations. Each year, the National Youth of the Year serves as the voice for the more than 3.3 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.
About Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
For 70 years, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has provided young people with a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Through impactful programs focused on education, leadership development, and healthy lifestyles, the Club empowers youth to build bright futures.