On Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) will name its 2020 Youth of the Year recipient, which is the highest honor a BGCG member can recieve. The 52nd annual awards dinner will take place at the club, and will also honor the 2020 Champion of Youth Award recipient, Susan Bevan.
Each year, the teenage BGCG members apply to become the Youth of the Year. The program recognizes an outstanding Club member who has made significant contributions to his or her family, school, community and Club. Last year, David Rincon, a student from Greenwich High School, won the award. Rebecca Breed, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the club, was the Champion of Youth Award honoree.
This year’s five Youth of the Year finalists are: Alessandra DeVito, a senior at Greenwich High School; Lara Javier, a junior at GHS; Max Pisacreta, a senior at GHS; Andres Rincon, a senior at Westhill High School; and Keely Rodriguez, a junior at GHS.
“All five finalists are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at the Club,” the BGCG said in a statement.
Bevan is a philanthropist and non-profit volunteer. A former corporate attorney, she has served on many boards, both locally near her home in Greenwich, as well as internationally. As a board member of BGCG, Bevan served as Vice President and also co-chair of the capital campaign (2001-2005) that rebuilt the pool and clubhouse and added a hockey rink.
“For more than 20 years, I’ve witnessed the impact the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich has on the youth of Greenwich,” Bevan said in a written statement from the club. “From water safety and swim team competitions to after-school homework help and a healthy afternoon snack, to the dedication of the staff and volunteers ensuring balance, achievement and enjoyment, the Club’s impact is unmatched. Creating an environment where children and young adults feel safe and supported in their ‘home away from home’ has provided a platform for success for these children. The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich is defined by its commitment to preparing young people to be responsible, caring and productive community members, and I fully support its mission.”
“Since her commitment as an active Board member to her time as a community volunteer, Susan Bevan has always wanted the best for Club kids,” added Bobby Walker, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the BGCG. “Her dedication to BGCG through the years has helped establish the foundation from which today’s club can successfully prepare young people to discover their greatness.”
Bevan is a member of the boards of the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality working to pass an amendment to the United States Constitution that will guarantee equal rights to all citizens, regardless of sex. As a member of the board of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, based in Evanston, Ill., she also serves as liaison to and board member on the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee and the Fraternity and Sorority Action Fund in Washington, D.C.
She is the recent past-national Co-Chair of the Republican Majority for Choice having served on its board for 17 years. Bevan has been published in the Huffington Post and The New York Times and has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered and MSNBC’s Up with Steve Kornacki discussing issues regarding reproductive choice and the Republican Party. She also currently serves on the board of the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
An active member of the Greenwich community, Bevan’s past board work includes Greenwich Library, The Bruce Museum and the Breast Cancer Alliance.
Youth of the Year candidates and Bevan will speak about their time at the Club during the awards dinner.
