2025 youth of the year

  Olivia, a Club member for 7 years, plans on continuing her education at Daemen College to become a Physician's Assistant after graduation.

Here is a statement from Olivia about her Club experience. “I can full-heartedly say that I am proud to be a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Elma, Marilla, and Wales due to the profound impact they had not only on me, but also on so many others. The staff created such an open and friendly environment which made me feel like I belonged and treated me with a kindness I will never forget.”

Eva, a Club member since the age of 5, plans on continuing her education at the Baldwin Wallace University to study Biology after graduation.

Here is a statement from Eva about her Club experience. 

“I am immeasurably grateful for the Boys & Girls Club. Through the club’s outstanding athletics program, I learned to stay active, be a good leader and teammate and exhibit sportsmanship. I am honored to be a staff member at the Club. Every day I am reminded about the great times I had growing up thanks to the club."

Sienna, a Club member since the age of 10, plans on continuing her education at the Albany School of Pharmacy after graduating high school in June 2024.

Here is a statement from Sienna about her Club experience. 

"My Club experience was a roller-coaster, but I loved every minute of it. From meeting new people to going on adventurous field trips and interacting with amazing staff, I learned a lot. The Boys & Girls Club gave me a vast number of skills and outlooks on life and my community. The Club taught me valuable fundamentals such as communication skills, leadership, how to achieve goals, and most importantly, how to strengthen my self-esteem. I am so grateful for the Club and the opportunities it provided me and my family."

Ryan, a Club member since the age of 5, plans on continuing his education in the medical field and to spend his career offering what he found at his Boys & Girls Club – people who care.  Ryan has seen firsthand the difference guidance and caring for others can make. He says, “Everybody has the ability to make the right decision, but sometimes they need a positive influence to guide them in the right direction.”  

At the Club, he found his positive influence in Club staff, especially his mentor, Erik Hibit. From elementary to high school, Ryan spent his after-school time involved in Club programming, from his early days playing in Club leagues to joining the teen leadership program as a CIT. He calls volunteering second nature – “as Club members, we are all expected to understand the meaning and the impact it brings to our community” – and credits his experience at the Club with helping him develop a sense of compassion, understanding and how to lead by example.