Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey held its state Youth of the Year Ceremony on May 22, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel in Trenton, NJ. There, 21 teen finalists from around New Jersey waited anxiously to hear their name announced as the New Jersey Youth of the Year. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Clubs member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. In addition, Youth of the Year finalists receive various scholarships.
Included in the finalists was Deidre Belinfanti, 17, from Asbury Park, NJ. She represented Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County (BGCM) amongst the other 22 Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in New Jersey. Deidre was selected as the local Monmouth County Youth of the Year winner earlier in April, and as a result, moved onto the state competition.
To prepare for the event, Deidre worked with local professionals for two months. These professionals consisted of lawyers, actors, public speakers and HR associates who volunteered to train her in public speaking, interviewing and writing. Competing in the state competition requires finalists to write extensive narratives, give multiple speeches and participate in vigorous interviews with 11 judges.
Of the 21 finalists competing, Deidre was selected as a top four finalist, winning a $5,000 scholarship from the state, in addition to a $1,500 scholarship from BGCM.
Dedicated, passionate and sporting extreme courage, Belinfanti is a role model for her peers. A senior at Asbury Park High School, she has shown consistent effort in keeping her life on a positive track. Belinfanti has been a member at the BGCM Asbury Park Unit since she was nine years old, and has participated in a number of the Club’s programs. Notably, Belinfanti serves as vice president of the Keystone Club, a chartered small group leadership development club for young people ages 14 to 18.
This year, Belinfanti was granted early admission to her dream school, Howard University, and received Howard’s Legacy Scholarship, which covers tuition and fees, and is awarded to incoming freshman who have excelled academically. Belinfanti plans on double-majoring in psychology and social work and hopes to work within the foster care system in the future.
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