Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley's Norman Adams Youth of the Year
Each spring, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley recognizes one of its members as the Norman Adams "Youth of the Year". The Club's Youth of the Year program is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) national program to support, promote and recognize young people, ages 14-18, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to their family, their community, their Club, and have shown commitment to academic achievement, moral and ethical values, and setting and achieving solid life goals. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.

As the Club’s Norman Adams Youth of the Year, the member will receive a scholarship from the James G. D’Amato Scholarship Fund of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley to further his or her education. In addition, the Club's Youth of the Year will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the New Hampshire Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from Reader’s Digest. If the member wins at the state level, he or she will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2008 to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year is eligible for an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an Oval Office ceremony.

Beginning in 2010, the Club establised a Junior Youth of the Year Award for members aged 11-13. Candidates go through a slightly less intensive application and judging process and are evaluated on their academics, character, and service to Club and community.

About Norman Adams

Norman K. Adams, a long-time Milford resident, left a gift to the Club when he passed away. Mr. Adams was well-known as someone who supported the youth in our community, acting as the "bicycle man" making sure every child had a bicycle. He drove his 1930 Model A Ford in many parades and was a member of the antique auto club. His gift created a lasting legacy that will benefit thousands of children in our community through the establishement of the Norman Adams Teen Center and Youth of the Year Award

About James G. D'Amato

James G. D'Amato, a lifelong resident of Milford, N.H., was very active in community affairs, serving in many roles for various nonprofit organizations in the community he loved. He is remembered as a friendly man with a love for children and a commitment to the community. At the time of his death, he was involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, Milford Do-it Main Street Program, the Wadleigh Memorial Library Development Fund, and as Trustee of Trust Funds Milford. The James G. D'Amato Scholarship Fund was created to continue his legacy of support, caring and unflagging commitment to the youth in our community.