Lifelong local resident Andrew Galazzo was recently selected to represent the Boys and Girls Club of the Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush in this year's "New York State Youth of the Year." The sixteen-year old Galazzo is just one among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Galazzo has been involved with the Boys and Girls Club for nearly six years and, over that time, has made quite an impression on the staff that selected him for the honor. The award carries with it a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship and the opportunity to continue to the national competition where the youth could receive as much as $26,000 and have a chance to meet the President of the United States.

"Every one of us at the Boys and Girls Club is genuinely impressed with Andrew Galazzo and all he stands for," said William Fioravanti, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. "Andrew has had to overcome many obstacles and has had more responsibilities thrust upon him than any young boy should have to deal with. He's handled it all with grace and a smile. The setbacks he's encountered only served to make him stronger," said Pine Bush Unit Director, Domanie Ragni.

Asked how the local Boys and Girls Club decided on Galazzo as its nominee, Fioravati replied, "Because the story of Andrew is what we're all about. He needed a push in the right direction but since then, when he has come to the crossroads, he has always made the right choices."

Elizabeth Rowley, the club's local community development director, emphasized Andrew's self-awareness.

"He's very wise. He has the ability to self reflect that you don't see in a lot of other kids his age."

In addition to Andrew's involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, he enjoys a wide array of interests that include snowboarding, skiing and martial arts. His school activities include competing in soccer, cross country track and "Mock Trial", a simulated courtroom experience for youngsters interested in discovering how the law works. Galazzo is captain of his team this year and says that he would like to pursue a law degree on his way to working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Andrew, a junior, plans on completing his senior year at Orange County Community College and already possesses 16 college credits.

Andrew Galazzo will be heading to Albany to compete against other Youth of the Year honorees this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to qualify for the regional competition. But, as Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer said to Andrew during a meeting on Tuesday, "No matter what happens, you are already a winner."

What Is The Youth Of The Year?
For the past 60 years, the Reader's Digest Foundation has sponsored the National Youth of the Year Program, a scholarship designed to promote and recognize service to Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Competition begins with each Club selecting a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion, and then enters state competition. State winners receive a plaque and a $1,000 scholarship; then they enter the regional competition. Each of the five regional winners receives a $10,000 scholarship and enters the national competition held in Washington, D.C. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000, totaling $26,000 in scholarships, and meets with the President of the United States.

COMMENTS about this article (0)