SHELTON — Thursday, June 27, marked a night of inspiration and celebration for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley as they presented their annual Meet the Kids Night in an elevated way, beyond the walls of the Club gymnasium.
This year’s special evening brought together the Club’s top donors, cherished friends, board members, and corporators in a warm and supportive environment, all set against the elegant backdrop of Shelton’s renowned restaurant, Il Palio. Il Palio’s Director of Operations, Cliff Pereira, and his wife, Chef Margherita Aloi, graciously hosted and sponsored the event, highlighting their deep commitment to the community.
Spotlight on the Keystone Club: The heart of the evening was the remarkable stories shared by the Club kids, particularly the Youth of the Year, Jr. Youth of the Year and members of the Keystone Club. The Bombers Keystone Club, nationally chartered in 1983 at the Shelton-Derby Boys Club, has been a beacon of leadership and citizenship for teens aged 14 – 18. Over the years, more than 450 teenagers have grown through the program, engaging in goal setting, fundraising, community service, and travel.
Meet the Kids Night was particularly special for the Keystone Club members, who had the opportunity to share their personal stories about what the club means to them. Keystone speakers included Emily W., Alicia C., Raisa K., and Jack V. They spoke on topics of overcoming dyslexia, facing injustices, helping to raise their siblings, and becoming stronger, better individuals — all because of the place they have found in the club, their second home. These narratives of resilience, leadership, and community service underscored the transformative power of the programs and the profound impact they have had on these young individuals’ lives.
Adding to the evening’s significance, the Youth of the Year, Alleyanna F., delivered an inspiring speech. Akina S., the Club’s first ever Jr. Youth of the Year shared a touching poem recounting the sights and sounds inside the Club and how meaningful it is to her. The Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. This prestigious title represents the voices of millions of Club youth and acknowledges outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley staff takes immense pride in the accomplishments of the members and their ongoing efforts to lead and create positive experiences for themselves and others. Meet the Kids Night was a beautiful celebration of the extraordinary young individuals who represent the future of the community.
Interested in being involved with the Club? Please reach out to Nicole Stere at NicoleStere@BGC-LNV-org. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, please visit: bgc-lnv.org
