Selected from six exceptional youth, Avery Pfenning of Fairfield, CT has been named Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) Youth of the Year. Pfenning will receive a college scholarship from WBGC and will go on to contend for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title. 

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Club of America’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. 

For more than 75 years, the program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing. Because it allows the teen to represent hundreds of youths from their organization, Youth of the Year is the highest honor given by a Boys & Girls Club. 

Over her eight years as a WBGC member, Pfenning has made significant contributions to the culture and programs at the Southport Clubhouse. She has been a member of the Keystone Club for the past three years, is currently the Co-Vice President, and represented WBGC at the National Keystone Conference as a delegate in 2024. She is also the co-creator of Brain Boosters, a targeted learning program for WBGC’s After School Program participants. 

A current junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, she loves art, running, and yoga. She volunteers at the Caroline House and is a mentor at Riverfield Elementary School in Fairfield, CT. 

“I have been a part of Wakeman Boys & Girls Club since the third grade, and it has had a significant impact on my personal growth. It has always provided me with a place where I can be myself while also teaching me valuable leadership skills,” commented Pfenning. 

“Through programs like Keystone, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with other teens and mentors who have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, develop confidence, and take initiative. The supportive and welcoming environment at Wakeman BGC has not only helped me grow as a leader but has also given me a sense of belonging. It has shaped me into a more driven and community-focused individual, empowering me to be a leader in all aspects of my life,” she added. 

Coreen Ahmad, Wakeman BGC Director of Character & Leadership Initiatives, has worked closely with Pfenning at the Southport Clubhouse and at the national organization level. “Avery is a dedicated volunteer to both our Club and in her community, and serves as a role model for other teens and younger Club members. She lights up any room with her positivity and energy,” said Ahmad. 

“I believe Avery has sought and found a balance in her education, work, volunteering and interests that has strengthened her skills and knowledge, as well as helping so many around her. These traits and more make Avery the Youth of the Year,” Ahmad added. 

Other WBGC Youth of the Year Finalists include Oshane C. and Nathan P. from the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse, Allison B. and Audrey P. from the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, and Peyton H. from the Southport Clubhouse. 

A WBGC Junior Youth of the Year, aged 10-13, will also be announced later this month. 

The Connecticut Youth of the Year will contend for the title of Northeast Regional Youth of the Year and the opportunity to secure an additional college scholarship. Six regional finalists will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in October 2025 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. 

WBGC thanks its community leaders who served as judges for the competition. This year’s judges include Alli Ganim, Barbara Hernandez, Anthony Johnson, Howard E. Kelly, Tonisha Cohen-King, Tracy Keblish, Leslie LaSala, Megan Mazzeo, Neeraj Mehta, Darshan Shah, Julie Smith, Reginald St. Fortcolin, Jacqueline Stevens, Najie Sumra, and Julie Tremaglio. 

Pfenning and the Youth of the Year finalists will be honored at the 2025 Hand in Hand Ceremony on Monday, April 28th at the WBGC Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse (595 Madison Avenue). The event also highlights the contributions of other youth and community members.