2024 YOUTH OF THE YEAR CELEBRATED
DRACUT >> The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell held its 2024 Youth of the Year Award ceremony Thursday evening and Lowell High School senior Maureen Onyeneho, 17, was declared this year’s winner.
Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Joe Hungler noted at the start of the ceremony, held at Lenzi’s, that it was the sixth anniversary of the death of Bill Gilmore, the longtime athletic manager for the club. Hungler said Gilmore absolutely loved these kinds of nights, and celebrating local youth.
“I’m not doing a moment of silence, because that wasn’t Bill’s way. One of my fondest memories of Bill is him pounding his chest and bragging about our teens, and celebrating them,” said Hungler. “He would make sure, sometimes it was to their face to make sure they had the confidence to build themselves up, but more often it was making sure everybody within earshot knew that this teen can do awesome things.”
Onyeneho was one of four finalists for the award going into the ceremony Thursday. The others were Lowell High School juniors Isaiah Mwesige, 17, and Jayden Stella, 16, and Greater Lowell Technical High School senior Alix Huynh, 17. The award was decided by a panel of four judges, consisting of Ajita Bhat, Neyder Fernandez, Somong Rattanayong and Head Judge Cherrice Lattimore.
Each of the four finalists had Boys & Girls Club staff members speak about them and why they were nominated. For Onyeneho, that staff member was Sophie Pegba, who said Onyeneho was “a wonderful young leader.”
“She possesses a spark of greatness, determination and drive that sets her apart from her peers. She has grown and flourished into an incredible young lady today,” said Pegba. “Maureen, you are an inspiration to the youth. Continue to do good, and I promise you, you will have all the blessings you deserve.”
Before she was announced as the winner, Onyeneho said that when she first joined the Boys & Girls Club, she did not know what to make of it, and at first
she felt out of place.
“I didn’t know how to play four square, I didn’t know how to play mancala and I didn’t know how to make origami,” said Onyeneho. “Being in a space with so many people was daunting. Despite my desire to participate in these activities, I was still frightened by the fear of rejection.”
She said she was able to get over these fears after meeting a staff member she referred to as “Billy G” — the aforementioned Gilmore.
“Billy had a bright spirit. He constantly encouraged me to meet new people by enrolling me in different programs at the club, such as the girls’ fitness program. Through the programs, Billy taught me the power of perseverance,” said Onyeneho. “Despite one’s shortcomings, it is important to always remember to be tenacious. A person’s ability to achieve something relies on the effort they are willing to put in.”
Onyeneho grew into being a youth leader with the club.
After being announced as the winner, Onyeneho said she felt honored.
“I am thankful for all of the Boys & Girls Club staff who pushed me to apply … even though I was scared because now my picture goes up on the wall,” the 2024 Youth of the Year said to laughter from the crowd. “Most importantly I am proud to be seen as a leader in my community, and I hope I can continue to inspire everyone here.”
Hungler said after Onyeneho was declared the winner that these nights are “bittersweet” because while the club wants to honor the winner, they don’t want it to be lost on anybody that the other finalists accomplished something great as well. He said that all four finalists would get a college scholarship — $1,000 for Onyeneho and $500 each for Huynh, Stella and Mwesige.
“We all think you’re a big deal,” said Hungler.
The final four contestants had been narrowed down from seven nominees, which also included Greater Lowell Tech senior Kevin Tuon, 17, and juniors Jorge Dejesus, 16, and Nana Donkor, 17. While Dejesus did not make it to the final round, the judges panel decided to recognize him with the first-ever Club Leadership Award.
“When your peers are speaking about you within their essays and within their interviews in this interview process where you are competing against one another, that is remarkable when someone can say you made them feel welcomed, you made them feel good and was the essence of what the Boys & Girls Club is all about,” said Lattimore before announcing Dejesus as the leadership award winner.