Diya Daruka Named CT Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of America

Milford CT

26 May, 2022

10:31 AM

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Milford, CT, May 26, 2022: Diya Daruka has been named the Connecticut's Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 75th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation's most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Connecticut Youth of the Year, Diya will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and will advance to the regional Youth of the Year and ultimately the national event. Daruka attributes her success to the Boys & Girls Club of Milford. "The Club not only taught me immense leadership skills and enhanced my determination, but more importantly I fostered many meaningful relationships through the Club, discovered my passions, and learned kindness and dedication through service. The lessons I have learned, the memories I have made, and the bonds I have created through the Club, are what I will cherish forever." Daruka will be graduating as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Jonathan Law High School, with a 4.9 GPA, and will continue her future endeavors double majoring in Data Science and Economics, with a concentration in Finance at Duke University this upcoming Fall. "We are incredibly proud of Diya and all the Youth of the Year nominees," said Megan Altomare, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Milford "Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. As the Connecticut Youth of the Year, Diya will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club members across the state who need more role models that they can admire and emulate." Founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier youth recognition program, the Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club. The Connecticut Youth of the Year program is sponsored by People's United Bank (a division of M & T Bank) and Comcast. This summer, Diya will join other state Youth of the Year to vie for the Northeast Regional title. If named the regional Youth of the Year, they will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in Los Angeles in October 2022, to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla. For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org. ***** About Boys & Girls Club of Milford, Connecticut Mission Statement: "To enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens." The Boys & Girls Club of Milford is part of a nationwide affiliation of local, autonomous organizations that work to help young people of all backgrounds develop the qualities they need to become responsible citizens and leaders. It is facility-based, employs 4 full time staff members, supplemented by several part-time employees, and many volunteers. We offer our members daily access to a broad range of programs in five Core Program Areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Today, over 650 members are taking advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Milford. They benefit from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and achieve their goals. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, CT visit: www.boysandgirlsclubofmilford.com / or visit Instagram (@boysandgirlsclubofmilford) and Facebook/Twitter (@BGCMilford). Make A Difference In A Young Person's Life—sponsor, volunteer or donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, Connecticut, the 17th Boys & Girls Club in the state of Connecticut. The Boys & Girls Club is a 501-C3 non-profit organization. Visit www.boysandgirlsclubofmilford.com for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Stay up to date on all of the Boys & Girls Club Events—connect on Facebook. CONTACT: Megan Altomare, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Milford, [email protected] or P: 203-713-8055 About Boys & Girls Clubs of America For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. More than 4,700 Clubs serve over 4.3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.