The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County would like to congratulate our 2011 Youth of the Year, Bria Barnes!
Approximately 28 nominees from each of the five clubs in Union County received an award in the following categories: Buddie, Junior, Sportsperson, Spirit Award, P.R.O. Award (People Respecting Others) and the Merit Award for Youth of the Year. To see some pictures from the Youth of the Year Awards Dinner, please click here.
Elizabeth Award Winners:
Buddie of the Year – Camille
Camille is a 1st grade student at St. Mary and Elizabeth Elementary School where her favorite subjects include math and science. Recently, Camille received the Student of the Month award and receives good grades in all her subjects. She has been a member of the Club since 2009 when she began to participate in Summer Fun Club and Buddie After School program. When she grows up, she would like to attend college and become a school teacher.
Junior of the Year – Kevan
Kevan has been a wonderful member of the Elizabeth Club for 3 years when he began participating in Power Hour, Passport to Manhood and Skill Tech. He is a 6th grade student at School # 5 where his favorite subjects include geography and language arts. He is a hard working student that maintains A’s & B’s in all subjects and has recently received the Perfect Attendance and Most Improved Awards at his school. His favorite activities are basketball, football and drawing. When he grows up, he would like to become a professional football player.
Sportsman of the Year – Justin
Justin has been a member of the Elizabeth Club for 3 years when he began to participate in the Teen Leadership Camp, Keystone Club, Goals for Graduation and Passport to Manhood. Justin is a 10th grade student at St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth where his favorite subjects are mathematics and physical education. His favorite activities are playing basketball, swimming and jogging. When he completes high school, he plans on attending college to become a civil engineer.
Spirit Award – Ja’nae
Ja’nae has been a member of the Elizabeth Club since 2002 when she began to participate in the Summer Fun Club, Smart Girls, and Club Tech programs. She is an 8th grade student at Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy in Elizabeth where her favorite subjects are mathematics and writing. Ja’nae achieves A’s and B’s in all subjects and has received the Principal’s Scholar and Good Citizenship Awards at school. When she grows up, she would like to attend college and become a pediatrician.
P.R.O. Award – Ja’Don Taylor
Ja’Don Taylor is a very respectful member of the Elizabeth Club and enjoys participating in Power Hour, Passport to Manhood and Triple Play programs. He is a 4th grade student at school #5 where his favorite subjects include reading and writing. Ja’Don works very hard to achieve A’s and B’s in all subjects and has received the Student of the Week Award 5 times this year. When he grows up, he would like to attend college and become a pastor.
Merit Award & Youth of the Year Nominee – Bria Barnes
As a hard working senior at Scotch Plains / Fanwood High School, Bria is challenged by taking Advanced Placement Math and English courses. She is a 10 year member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County and has been a member in all our Clubs. She has participated in Power Hour, Torch Club, Money Matters, Stand & Deliver and Keystone Club programs. Bria’s passion is helping others, which is why she plans on entering a nursing program at the University of Delaware, Rutgers University or The College of New Jersey.
Hillside Award Winners:
Buddie of the Year (APMECC) – Chinelo
This year’s recipient for the “Buddie of the Year” from the Hillside “Project Learn” after school program is 6 year old Chinelo. She is a 1st grade student at AP Morris Early Child Care Center where her favorite subjects include math and science. She is a hard working student who demonstrates outstanding educational performance. Chinelo has been a member of the Hillside “Project Learn” after school program for 2 years and has accomplished outstanding behavior in the program and school on a daily basis.
Junior of the Year (Calvin Coolidge) – Malcolm
Malcolm has been a participant of the Hillside “Project Learn” after school program since September of 2010. He is a hardworking student in the 4th grade at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School where his favorite subject is math. One of Malcolm’s recent accomplishments was receiving the highest math grade in his class. His favorite sports are basketball and football and a big fan of the Lakers and Giants! When he grows up, he would like to attend Rutgers University and become an FBI agent.
Sportsman of the Year (George Washington) – Adrian
Adrian is a 3rd grade student at George Washington Elementary school where his favorite subjects are math, art and reading. He is a considerate, creative and helpful member who loves to draw and create fantastic Lego structures. He plays basketball at his school for the Magics and enjoys watching Animal Planet to learn about different animals. When he grows up, he would like to attend college and become an artist or a doctor.
Spirit Award (Hurden Looker) – Kenechukwu
The 2011 Spirit Award Winner, Kenechukwu from the Hillside “Project Learn” program is a 4th grade student at Hurden Looker Elementary School. He is an intelligent, cooperative and respectful young man who excels academically. He has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club since the age of 5. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games and drawing. When he grows up he would like to become an artist or a doctor.
P.R.O. Award (AP Morris 2nd Grade Annex) – Adriana
Adriana is a 7 year old 2nd grade student who has been an active member in the Hillside “Project Learn” program since September of 2010. She has been chosen to receive this award because Adriana is a bright, helpful and considerate young lady. Adriana enjoys playing on the computer and playing board games with her friends upon completion of her homework. When she grows up, Adriana would like to attend college and become a dentist.
Plainfield Award Winners:
Buddie of the Year – Anaya
The 2011 Buddie of the Year from the Plainfield Club is a 5 year old kindergarten student at Washington Elementary School in Plainfield. She enjoys dancing and soccer. She likes coloring and playing with the other kids at the Club. When she grows up, she would like to become an Artist and one day own a hair salon. She is a team player, very energetic and is always ready to learn new things.
Junior of the Year – Alero
The 2011 Junior of the Year from the Plainfield Club is a 13 year old 7th grade student at Ceaderbrook K-8 Center where her favorite subject is Art. She is a great student who usually achieves A’s and B’s in all subjects. She is an active member at the Club and always volunteers to help the younger members with their homework. She enjoys reading, poetry, and using the computer lab. When she grows up she would like to be an Artist or a Lawyer.
Sportsman of the Year – Troy
The 2011 Sportsman of the Year from the Plainfield Club is a 15 year old sophomore at the Barak Obama Green Charter High School. He is the starting forward on his team and a great representative for the Hornets. He concentrates on playing team basketball and is a vocal leader to his teammates on and off the court. He’s very polite and respectful, and he’s always willing to volunteer at the Club. When he grows up he wants to be a rapper.
P.R.O. Award – Steven
The 2011 PRO Award winner from the Plainfield Club is a 9 year old 4th grade student at Evergreen Elementary School in Plainfield. He is usually one of the first to complete his homework and is always more than happy to volunteer in helping the members with their homework during power hour. Steven is very respectful to all staff members at the Club. His Favorite sport is Football. When he grows up, he would like to attend college and become a college professor.
Spirit Award – Ichrak
The 2011 Spirit award winner from the Plainfield Club is a 16 year old sophomore at South Plainfield High School. Her favorite subjects are History and Gym. She has been a member of the Club for 1 year and loves participating in all teen activities. On her down time at the Club, she enjoys working with the younger members by helping them with their homework and arts & crafts projects. She wants to be a Nurse when she grows up and also has an interest in modeling as a career.
Merit Award & Youth of the Year Nominee – Victoria
Victoria, the Youth of the Year Nominee from the Plainfield Club is a 19 year old senior at South Plainfield High School where her favorite subjects are English and introduction to business. She is a hard working student who achieves good grades in all her subjects. Victoria has been an active member of the Plainfield Club for 4 years where she began participating in Stand & Deliver, Keystone and Job Ready. Currently, Victoria holds the title of Keystone Club President. Victoria plans to attend college and become a lawyer or a forensic scientist.
Roselle Award Winners:
Buddie of the Year (Washington) – Asia
Asia is a kindergarten student at Washington Elementary School, where her favorite subjects include reading and math. Asia is a very hard working student who has recently received the Shining Star Award in her class. She has been a participant in the program since the beginning of the 2010-11 school year and enjoys participating in music, art and jump rope contests. When she grows up, Asia would like to attend college and become a doctor.
Junior of the Year (Grace Wilday) – Zinnaya
Zinnaya is a 7th grade student at Grace Wilday Middle School. Her favorite subjects include, math and English. Zinnaya is a dedicated young lady who usually achieves all A’s and has received the Principal’s List Award. Zinnaya has been a member of the program since 2010 and actively participates in Smart Girls, Power Hour and Triple Play programs. When Zinnaya grows up, she would like to become an actress.
Sportsman of the Year (Leonard V. Moore) – Kyani
Kyani is a 5th grade student at Leonard V. Moore School. His favorite subjects are Math and physical education. Kyani works very hard to maintain good grades and was recently elected class President. He has been a participant in the program since 2005 and actively participates in Project Learn, Power Hour and Triple Play programs. When he grows up, he would like to become a Brick Mason.
P.R.O. Award (Dr. Charles C. Polk) – Jilani
Jalani is a kindergarten student at Dr. Charles C. Polk Elementary School where her favorite subjects are math and writing. Jilani is a respectful student who recently received the Student of the Month award. She has been a participant in the program for 2 years and currently participates in Project Learn and Power Hour. Her favorite activities are writing, swimming and reading. When she grows up, she would like to become a doctor.
Spirit Award (Harrison) – Amel Ouji
Amel Ouji is a 3rd grade student at Harrison Elementary School. Her favorite subjects include math and science. She is a hard working student who achieves high grades in all classes and has recently received the Distinguished Honor Roll and Student of the Month Awards. She has been a participant in the program since 2008 when she began to participate in Power Hour, Triple Play and Smart Moves. Her favorite activities are reading, arts & crafts and hula-hooping. When she grows up, she would like to become a teacher
Union Award Winners:
Buddie of the Year – Giovanna 
The 2011 Buddie of the Year from the Union Club, Giovanna , is a 2nd grade student at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School in Union where her favorite subject is science. She is a hard working student that usually achieves A’s in all subjects. Giovanna recently received the Citizenship Award, V.I.P Award and the STAR Student Award. Giovanna has been a member of the Club for 3 years and participates in the Buddie After school program where she enjoys playing in the gym, swimming, Arts and crafts and computer time. When she grows up Giovanna would like to become a professional swimmer.
Junior of the Year – Mekhi
Mekhi is a 7th grade student at Burnet Middle school in Union. He is a hard working student that usually achieves A’s in all subjects and recently received the First Honors award at school. As a 4 year member of the Union Club, Mekhi participates in our after school program, ping pong tournaments, swimming and basketball. Also, Mekhi participates in Passport to Manhood, Drama Club, and Golf. When he grows up, he would like toattend college and become an Engineer.
Sportsman of the Year – Natalia 
Natalia is a 9th grade student who is very talented and has successfully passed the challenging qualifying exams to enter her school. She shows excellent behavior, high academic performance and good leadership qualities. She has been swimming for the Tidal Wave Swim Team for almost 9 years and has broken more than 20 of our records. In 2010, she attended the “Pacific Cup” in Ecuador, in which she swam for the Colombia National Team.
P.R.O. Award – Nila
The 2011 PRO award winner from the Union Club is a 4th grade student at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School in Union where her favorite subject is Math. She is a hard working student that usually achieves A’s in all subjects. Nila has been a member of the Club for 5 years and participates in the Buddie After school program. Nila enjoys playing in the gym, swimming and computers. She has also attended Summer Fun Club for 5 consecutive summers. When she grows up, Nila would like to attend college and become a teacher.
Spirit Award – Hannah 
Hannah, the 2011 Spirit Award Winner from the Union Club is a 6th grade student at Burnet middle school in Union where her favorite subjects are Art and Math. She is a hard working student that usually achieves A’s and B’s in all subjects. Hannah has been a member of the Club for 3 years and participates in the After-School program and Smart Girls. She also enjoys playing ping pong, pool, and hanging out with her best friend. When she grows up, she would like to become an artist.
Merit Award & Youth of the Year Nominee – Tayla
Tayla, the Youth of the Year nominee from the Union Club, is a senior at Union High School. She is a hard working student that has maintained a B average in all subjects. Tayla has been a member of the Club for 10 years and is a former participant of Power Hour and Torch Club. Tayla is a current member of the Keystone Club where she participates in bake sales, chaperoning dances, Money Matters, Girl Talk and Stand & Deliver. Tayla plans on receiving a bachelor’s degree in Film & Design from either Kean University or the Art Institute of New York. Additionally, she enlisted in the Army Reserves and begins Boot Camp this summer.
[...] 2011 Youth of the Year Program [...]