Melissa Melendez has been named Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester’s Youth of the Year for 2007. Melissa competed against other Boys & Girls Clubs for the New York State Youth of the Year title on April 16th, 17th & 18th in Albany. The Youth of the Year program is sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.
and is administered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. This national scholarship program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, and outstanding service to the Boys and Girls Club, to the community and to one’s family.
Barbara E. Cutri, Director of Operations for the Northern Westchester Club, stated that "Melissa is a shining example of the positive impact the Boys and Girls Club has on the lives of young people." Sleepy Hollow High School Principal Carol Conklin added, "Melissa is most deserving of this honor. She has extended way beyond our community service requirement to make a real difference in her hometown. We are very proud of her." Melissa’s guidance counselor, Leticia Andujar, shared, "It is an honor to have a student from Sleepy Hollow High School receive this recognition. Melissa is a wonderful student who is very caring and considerate towards her peers. There is no doubt in my mind that Melissa is worthy of this award."
