"Without Wakeman, I wouldn't have discovered my love for public speaking or my dedication to community service, and I wouldn't have found the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. It's a transformative space where dreams are nurtured, voices are heard, and individuals are empowered. Wakeman isn't just a Club; it's an opportunity for every kid to discover their potential, and I wouldn't be who I am today without it."

Claire Russell

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

Southport Clubhouse Youth of the Year

At Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Claire has flourished as a leader and Club advocate. An active member of the Torch and then Keystone Club, she took on prominent roles as secretary, treasurer, and vice president. Both near and far, Claire has positively impacted the experience of countless peers: she is one of only 14 teens nationwide to be selected as a Boys & Girls Clubs of America President Circle Brand Ambassador and was also chosen to work with a team of 10 teens to plan the 2023 National Keystone Conference for over 2,000 students. When she reflects on her favorite things about her home Club, she notes the camaraderie among members and the unwavering support from mentors that transforms Wakeman BGC into a family.

Claire is a junior at the Hopkins School, where she has been able to balance her academic excellence with her commitment to Wakeman BGC. At school, she holds leadership roles on many advisory boards and service committees and participates on the varsity soccer, basketball, and tennis teams. Most rewarding for Claire is her involvement in the Hopkins Pathfinder Program, where she serves as a Teacher Assistant for a 7^th grade science class and a mentor to the underprivileged students who make up the partner school’s demographic.

As Youth of the Year, Claire will use her leadership and advocacy skills to inspire and empower other youth to recognize their potential. She is especially passionate about promoting educational opportunities: “[In the Hopkins Pathfinder Program], I encountered countless eager young minds who wanted to learn to the fullest but weren’t given the opportunity. The unfortunate reality was that systemic barriers hindered their educational journey. This experience–along with realizing the power of using my platform as National Ambassador for BGCA to make a meaningful impact–has made me determined to be a force for change.”

Wakeman BGC Program Director, Coreen Ahmad, has worked closely with Claire at the Club and National Organization levels. She says, “Claire takes on any challenge with enthusiasm and takes it to the next level. She motivates others around her, including me, to be a better version of ourselves and to try new things. She inspires and leaves a positive influence and lasting impact on her club and community. Taking on the National Keystone Conference is a huge undertaking, but she is there willingly and ready to do whatever it takes.”

Among many other notable accomplishments, Claire is a certified EMT, a female caddy, a Hopkins Science Olympiad Medalist, has been involved in cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering, and is a part of Hopkins Authentic Research Program which is a selective lab-based class. Her goal after high school is to study medicine and become a neurosurgeon.

If Claire 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 2024, 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.

Congratulations to:

Audrey Badia, Honoree, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse

Caroline Gouley, Finalist, Southport Clubhouse

James Mazzeo, Finalist, Southport Clubhouse

Jack McClane, Finalist, Southport Clubhouse

Andrea Palacios, Honoree, Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse

Nathan Page, Honoree, Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse

Caroline Shah, Finalist, Southport Clubhouse

Jack Short, Finalist, Southport Clubhouse