The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield are excited to announce Alanis “Ally” Flaherty as the 2023 Youth of the Year, an honor that recognizes young people for excellence in leadership, service, academic performance, and health and wellness. Nominated for her dedication to the organization and her kind, caring, and welcoming attitude toward fellow members, staff, friends, and family, Ally has spent the last year making a positive impact as a mentor to younger members, and building meaningful relationships within the club and her community.
As part of her time as Youth of the Year, Ally will serve as a teen spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs, educating about the experience and programs of the Clubs, and raising awareness of issues that fellow youth face in today’s socIety. In addition, Ally will compete to be named Massachusetts and East Region Youth of the Year, and if chosen, go on to compete for the National Youth of the Year title, which would award her a college scholarship..
A graduating senior at Stoneham High School, Ally will be attending Bunker Hill Community College in the fall to pursue her career in nursing. “I want to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield for this honor. It really means a lot to me.” When not studying or spending time at the Club, Ally cherishes the free time she gets to spend with friends and family.
“Ally embodies the spirit of the Clubs and has played an important role in carrying out our mission to provide a safe and supportive community that helps our young people thrive and build better futures,” says Danielle Gentile, Club Director. “We know she will continue to make us proud with this honor.”
For more information on the Youth of the Year award, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs Massachusetts Alliance website at massalliancebgc.org, or go learn about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield, visit bgcstoneham.org.
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About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield is a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s most effective youth development organization in the United States. We are proud to work with young people from a wide range of economic, social and family circumstances, regardless of their gender, ethnic and racial background.
Our Clubs are open when kids need us most – after school, on most school holidays, and all day during the summer. Clubs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.