Omar Badr named 2024 BGCG Youth of the Year, Yasmine Bruce 2024 BGCG Junior Youth of the Year
By Liz Leamy
Last Wednesday, amidst one of the most torrential nights of the year so far in terms of rain, spirits were high as ever as more than 375 attendees unwaveringly showed up to attend the 56th Annual Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich Youth of the Year event held at the Greenwich Hyatt where Omar Badr, a Greenwich High School senior, was named as the 2024 Youth of the Year winner and Yasmine Bruce, an Eastern Middle School eighth grader, was honored as the Junior Youth of the Year.
For these two celebrated award recipients, it was all about their appreciation and gratitude for the impact the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) organization and community has had on their lives.
“The club means everything to me and I’m so honored to be here,” said Badr, who plans to attend the University of Connecticut in Storrs next fall. “It’s a celebration for everyone here and the club is why we all do so much together.”
Bruce echoed similar sentiments.
“It so exciting to be here tonight and I’m so honored to be given this award. It means so much,” said Bruce. “The club is great and I go there after school at least four times a week. It’s a fun place and there are so many things to do. You can hang out with your friends, learn or play so many different kinds of sports. It’s really dynamic and there’s so much opportunity for everyone who goes there to do so many different things.”
At the celebration, Jake Phillips, a Greenwich High School senior, received the David Ogilvy Award for character, kindness and integrity.
For everyone on hand at this event, including the dedicated members of the BGCG Board of Directors, its diligent and devoted staff and its many dozens of members from both the past and present, this was a bright night on all fronts as Badr was celebrated for his commitment, involvement and impact on the club in tandem with Bruce and his fellow 2024 Youth of the Year candidates, of which totaled 11 in all.
“It’s amazing to be here tonight and to see so many people who came out despite the rain out there just means everything and says so much,” said Eileen Tang, BGCG Board Chair. “Everyone here tonight, especially those who are being honored, including all the Youth of the Year candidates are all about character, heart, commitment and teamwork. Their character, values and way they embrace and practice the whole concept of giving back in what they do also reflects so much of what the club is all about.”
Certainly, the whole notion of teamwork, commitment and building together among this contingent was visibly clear in seeing them interact with one another at this lively celebration, especially the 2024 BGCG Youth of the Year candidates.
In fact, just prior to the dinner portion of the event, which was held at the Hyatt’s expansive Grand Ballroom with the theme centered around the club’s blue and white flagship colors with all of its many balloons, dramatic lighting and lovely flowers, the BGCG Youth of the Year candidates could be seen chatting and having fun together at a table.
“We’re all good friends,” said Badr, who plans to study electrical engineering at the University of Connecticut. “There’s a strong bond between all of us and everyone supports one another. It’s really nice.”
Others agreed.
“The club is great. We have a lot of fun together and there are so many resources there,” said Sydney Niemynski, a Greenwich High School sophomore and 2024 BGCG Youth of the Year candidate. “I think all of the programs that are offered there and the people, who represent such a conscious community, give us opportunity, strength and vital tools for our lives.”
Along with this terrific crew of candidates and winners, everyone else at this event also seemed to be having a great time, collectively reflecting so much of spirit, personality and role of the BGCG here in the community.
“Everyone wants one another to succeed and it’s a very strong, dynamic and dedicated group of people that I’m so honored to be a part of,” said Tang, who has been part of the BGCG Board since 2017. “Watching the kids evolve and grow up is amazing and to see the way they handle themselves and others with such assurance, heart, commitment and humility is incredible. As it’s said, ‘once a club kid, always a club kid,’ and you can see that here.”
Badr, meanwhile, also cited how the importance of consistency as a BGCG club member over the years represents one of his main characteristics as well as something he has been adamant to steadfastly practice over the years.
“I think consistency has really served me, especially at the club,” said Badr. “It’s all about showing up and doing what you’ve got to do. By doing that, you grow and most important, you’re there for others.”
Badr also elaborated on the importance of working together and supporting one another.
“I want to help others in the same way the club has helped me,” said Badr. “It’s all about working together and giving back what you’ve been given.”
Certainly, these vital words of wisdom speak volumes in terms of building a foundation in regard to making an optimal impact in life, as well as building a fulfilling life on a personal, professional and societal level, something that strongly reflects so much of the personality, heart and spirit of the town itself.
“This town is incredible and has a community where everyone really seems to work together,” said Badr. “There are so many opportunities and it’s also a community so many people know and supports one another, which makes it so great.”
2024 BGCG Award Winners and Youth of the Year Candidates:
Youth of the Year: Omar Badr
Junior Youth of the Year: Yasmine Bruce
David Ogilvy Award: Jake Phillips
Candidates for 2024 BGCG Youth of the Year:
Omar Badr, GHS senior
Salma Badr, GHS senior
George Benner, GHS senior
Christian Dudzinski, GHS sophomore
Scott Dudzinski, GHS sophomore
Daniela Hernandez, West Hill High School junior
Ryder King, GHS sophomore
Daniella Mutis, GHS senior
Sydney Niemynski, GHS sophomore
Jake Phillips, GHS senior
Diego Silva, GHS senior
2024 Champions of Youth Award – Given to honorees for their unwavering commitment to the youth of Greenwich and their dedication to the Club’s Scholarship Committee
Sally Lawrence
Chris Winham
