Michael Gugliotti Named Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham's 2012 Youth of the Year

Every April, Boys & Girls Clubs around the country select one of their members to be honored as the Youth of the Year. To be named the Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. Being awarded this title recognizes the contributions a club member has made to their family, their school, the Boys & Girls Club and the greater community, as well as the personal challenges and obstacles that they have overcome.

This year, the has selected Michael Gugliotti as our club’s Youth of the Year. Michael embodies the positive attributes that make one a candidate for this award, and is a strong role model for younger members at the club.

Michael is a teenager who stays involved and continually strives to be the best he can be and better the lives of others. When talking with Michael, one statement resonated deeply with this writer. He said the following: “Community service is major part of what defines me as a person.” This quote captures the essence of Michael’s personality.

Over the past year Michael has participated in food drives, a toy drive for children in need during the holiday season, collecting supplies for troops overseas, assisted in raising money for those in Haiti and he has helped with programs that collect coats and blankets for those in need.

At the club, Michael is a long time member and the president of the club’s leadership and civic engagement program, Keystone. Additionally, Michael has worked as a volunteer, junior staff member and as a camp counselor. Michael acknowledges that the club has helped in shaping him into being a better person. At this point, Michael believes that is important for him to set a positive and encouraging example for younger members.

Michael's diligent efforts in community and volunteering and working at the club have paid off. The club appreciates all that Mike has contributed and the influence that he has made on the members at the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham.