Havre de Grace High Sophomore Named 2016 Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs Harford County

From the Boys & Girls Clubs Harford County:

“The Year of the Girl” theme drew a capacity crowd at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena on March 31 for the 26th Annual Steak & Burger/Youth of the Year Dinner for Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County. The annual fundraising and award event raised over $125,000 for the Harford County Clubs and named A’maya Green of Havre de Grace High School as the 2016 Youth of the Year.

Bob Bloom, General Manager at Delmarva Broadcasting Company/WXCY-FM Radio shared the duties of emcee for the evening with last year’s finalist, and this year’s bear namesake, Lizzie Jakubac also from the Havre de Grace Club.

Presenting sponsor Wegman’s of Abingdon provided the beef for the evening and co-presenting sponsor Richlin Ballroom & Catering grilled and prepared the entrees while members of our board of directors served hamburgers to the adults in attendance and sirloin steak to the kids as is the tradition of the evening focused on honoring the children who attend the Clubs and participate in the programs. “We were grateful for the teamwork of our board of directors, volunteers and sponsors this year,” says Acting Executive Director, Jeff Foulk. “It’s a unique situation providing food for nearly 800 people, and everyone came together to make it one of the most successful events in the Clubs’ 25 year history.”

Youth of the Year A’maya Green, a sophomore at Havre de Grace High School, exemplified the Year of the Girl proving her determination to be successful, empowered, and motivated. An 11-year member, A’maya is succeeding in school, volunteers at the Helen Diller Home for the Blind, and participates in the Young Leaders Academy and other programs at the Club. “My time in the Club has had a huge impact on me,” shares A’maya. “The staff has guided me through some challenging moments in my life and the programs have given me the tools to plan ahead and make good decisions.” As the 2016 Youth of the Year winner, A’maya was awarded a $1,000 education scholarship by the Taco Bell A Step 2 Success program.

Other Year of the Girl finalists included Unique Woodson, a six-year member–the last three at the Aberdeen Club; and Katherine Butterfield; and Allison Smith, a five-year member of the Edgewood Club. All the runners-up received $500 education scholarships from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County Endowment College Scholarship Fund and all four finalists received bracelets from Saxon’s.

Ninety-four “Lizzie Bears” were graciously and enthusiastically claimed during the evening, symbolizing a sponsored Club kid for 2016. While Club members pay only a $20 annual fee, it costs over $1,000 to ensure each child receives the programming and resources that the finalists credit for helping them forge their paths to Great Futures. More bears are available and can be sponsored by contacting the BGC office at 410-272-0010.