Rania Ahmad to Vie for State Title and Scholarship
Selected from 10 outstanding youth across the organization, Rania has been named 2022 Youth of the Year by Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 75th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. Rania will go on to contend for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Ahmad, a senior at Trumbull High School, has an exemplary academic record and has been recognized by her school and other organizations for her leadership, service, and volunteerism. Her passion for equality and advocacy is reflected in the causes and projects she takes on in her many roles. When asked about how she can effect change as Youth of the Year, Rania says, “I will use my voice to educate others unaware of the issues that some youth face by continuing to attend protests, speak to community and government officials, and help youth advocate for themselves.”
At Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Ahmad is the current Co-President of the Southport Clubhouse’s Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service. For several years, she has been a mentor in the Great Futures Mentoring Program, where she discovered how each encounter with a child could have meaningful, lasting impact. “Recognizing how far my own education has taken me makes me so passionate to ensure that others are educated as well," she reflects. Ahmad is also a Wakeman BGC junior staff member, working several days each week. Her favorite Club memory is going Over The Edge--rappelling down a highrise--to raise money for the Club.
"I know that as I graduate from high school and emerge into collegiate life,
I will be bringing a myriad of positive traits that I have gained from my time at the Club: diligence, dedication, flexibility,
and resilience."
Rania Ahmad
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year
Southport Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Tim Cepetelli, Southport Clubhouse Unit Director, reacts, “We’re thrilled to have Rania Ahmad selected as Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s 2022 Youth of the Year! Whether mentoring at Holland Hill, helping kids after school as a Youth Development Professional, or leading Keystone Club activities and meetings, Rania brings infectious positivity, focus and fun with every visit to the Clubhouse.”
Outside of Wakeman BGC, Rania plays varsity field hockey and is busy as the president of Student Council. She enjoys playing with her dog, running, and travelling. After graduation, she will study chemical engineering at the University of Southern California.
If Rania is named the Connecticut Youth of the Year, she will contend for the title of Northeast Regional Youth of the Year who will receive an additional $20,000 college scholarship. Six regional finalists will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in October 2022, to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000.
2022 Clubhouse Youth of the Year
Tatyana Santiago
Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse
I am a senior at Trumbull High School. After graduating, I am looking forward to majoring in audio and music production. My favorite Wakeman memory is traveling in middle school through the Sparks [travel and education exploration] program. My hobbies include music and playing video games. Outside of Wakeman, I volunteer at my church, am working on starting a clothing business, and enjoy going to the gym.
Jonathan Straker
Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse
I am a senior who attends Fairfield Prep. My major/career path is Engineering with a passion for Music. My favorite Wakeman memory is definitely as a camper when I was in middle school and elementary school. My interests are Music, Cars, and TV shows and films. Outside of Wakeman, I play basketball, bowling, and I love to travel.
Megan Sullivan
Southport Clubhouse
I am a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Next year, I will be attending Wake Forest University to study Business and Chemistry. My favorite Wakeman memory is mentoring at Holland Hill. My hobbies include reading, spending time with friends and family, working out, and going to the beach. Outside of Wakeman, I am on the Varsity tennis team, participant of Appalachia Service Project, volunteer for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, mentor for Crossing Thresholds, and a tennis coach. I am honored to be chosen as Youth of the Year at my clubhouse.
Congratulations to our Finalists:
Cooper Anderson, Southport Clubhouse
Liv Leal, Southport Clubhouse
Jaden Page, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse
Gerard Roarty, Southport Clubhouse
Tobey Sappern, Southport Clubhouse
Dwayne Sykes, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse
Thank you to our 2022 Youth of the Year Judges:
Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse First Round
Jayvon Snider, Wakeman BGC Alumnus
Anthony Johnson, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Unit Advisory Board
Southport Clubhouse First Round
Noor Deeb, Southport Branch Manager, People's United Bank
Chris Kelly, Wakeman BGC Alumnus
Chad McCullough, Wakeman BGC Alumnus and Member Parent
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Final Round
Patrick Parker, Esq., Chief of Staff, UBS
Jagjiwan Singh, AVP, First County Bank
Regan Steed, Wakeman BGC Alumna & former Southport
Clubhouse Youth of the Year
