"Be Great" Gala information
Selected among four outstanding local teens, Vianney Godinez has been named the 2023 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR). 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 76th year, this program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their paths to great futures. As the New Rochelle Youth of the Year, Vianney will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the city, receive a $1,000 college scholarship from BGCNR, and advance to the New York State Youth of the Year competition.
“Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is honored to have Vianney representing our club as she has been truly a role model for our members," said Becky Mazzanobile, BGCNR CEO. "Vinney is a leader who is bold, unafraid to always ask the tough questions, and a collaborative problem-solver. We cannot wait to see her continue to bring all her energy, heart, and passion to making our community and our world a better place.”
Vianney is a quintessential “club kid.” Her club journey began in kindergarten as a member of our Mascaro Clubhouse, and she has been a part of many BGCNR programs, including Smart Girls, Torch Club, and our new Youth Civics Council. As a member of Youth Civics Council, Vianney had the opportunity to advocate for youth issues on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where she also toured the White House and met First Daughter Ashley Biden. In addition to her time at BGCNR, she serves as the junior class president at New Rochelle High School.
If Vianney wins the New York State competition this summer, she will join other state Youths of the Year to vie for the Northeast regional title and an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five regional finalists and the Military Youth of the Year will advance to the national Youth of the Year event in October, and compete for the title of Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) National Youth of the Year, an additional scholarship of $50,000, and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.