Shelton, CT — The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley proudly award nearly $54,000 in scholarships to 22 deserving members during the 2026 Scholarship Awards Night held at the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, May 27.

This year brings an especially meaningful milestone, with the introduction of two new scholarships that reflect the heart and legacy of the Club community. The Own Your Future Foundation Trade Scholarship, established by the Douglas Family—led by Club alum, Service to Youth honoree, and Board President Christopher Douglas, aiming to support members pursuing skilled trades.

Additionally, the Edward “Ned” Rydzy Memorial Scholarship, created by Ned’s daughters, Amy and Lori, along with family and friends, will honor Ned’s legacy— his kindness friendship and generosity. Known for his genuine spirit and deep love for the Club, the scholarship ensures his impact will continue to inspire generations to come.

As the evening began, Brian Marcucio, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, kicked off the program, with a special message to both the recipients and their parents:

F-E-A-R – When FEAR is experienced it can have two results: ‘Forget Everything And Run’ or ‘Face Everything And Rise.’ The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar 

In life, both meanings can apply: If I confronted an angry skunk, I would Forget Everything and Run….maybe not that fast, but I would run.  I would venture to say most of you in this room when confronted with FEAR, has chosen to FACE EVERTHING AND RISE more often than not in your lives. The benefactors wouldn’t be here tonight if they didn’t RISE up to become successful enough to be able to donate here tonight. Parents…. you wouldn’t be here tonight if you didn’t choose to RAISE a child. And to the Scholarship Recipients, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t RISE up to face the challenge of the work you had to put in to qualify tonight.  I’m sure you have heard most of your life that you can be whatever you want to be, but maybe never told that you have to put the work in to get there. So, as the night goes on and you hear the different paths in which each of you has risen, remind yourself to keep confronting life’s challenges with the courage needed to overcome them, and you will get wherever you are determined to go!

Thanks to the generosity of dedicated donors and endowment partners, these scholarships provide graduating Club members—and alumni pursuing higher education—with critical support as they take the next step toward bright, successful futures. Donors, your belief in our youth continues to change lives.

This year’s scholarships are made possible through a combination of long-standing and new funds, including:

• The Own Your Future Foundation Trade Scholarship (NEW in 2026)
• Edward “Ned” Rydzy Memorial Scholarship (NEW in 2026)
• Celebrate Shelton Community Impact & Opportunity Scholarship (NEW in 2025)
• Marcucio Scholarship Fund (NEW in 2025)
• Jimmy Olayos Jr. Scholarship
• Juliana Mazza Memorial Scholarship
• Karen & Twan Bentlage Scholarship Fund
• Beth Fortin Family Foundation Scholarship
• George & Beatrice Ryan Scholarship
• Raymond P. Lavietes Scholarship Fund
• George & Margaret Smith Scholarship
• Coram Gardens Civic Association Scholarship

This year’s scholarship recipients:

Amaryllis M.
Angelis M.
Ashley J.
Ava B.
Bailey W.
Brynn R.
Crishon F.
Emily V.
Emily W.
Gabrielly R.
Gianna J.
Jayden W.
Joseph C.
Mary B.
Maya R.
Mia N.
Nicolette S.
Raisa K.
Sam R.
Sara T.
Shane C.
Veronica B.

To support the Club’s scholarship fund or learn more, visit bgc-lnv.org/donate.