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BGCNW Names Jason Distant 2011 Youth of the Year

Mount Kisco, NY (March 1, 2011) – The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) announced today that Jason Distant has been recognized for his commitment and outstanding contributions as the Club's 2011 Youth of the Year, the highest honor awarded by the Club to a member. The National Youth of the Year Program, a Boys & Girls Club of America initiative, honors one of its members for developing superior leadership skills, overcoming personal challenges, achieving academic excellence, and performing outstanding service to the Club and the community. Jason is a junior at Fox Lane High School and a resident of Mount Kisco.

As a result of his commendable service, Distant will be granted a $1,000 scholarship from BGCNW. He will also compete against other Boys & Girls Club youth for the New York State Youth of the Year title. Five regional winners selected among state winners will compete for the national honor in Washington, D.C., where the National Youth of the Year will be officially installed by the President in a White House ceremony in September. 

Jason has been involved with the Club for 10 years. As a young boy coming from a single parent household, he matured quickly and became self reliant. Jason has since flourished into a dependable, encouraging role model himself, particularly for the younger Club members. He volunteered for more than 180 community service hours over the summer and after school. His dedication even earned him a paid spot on the Boys & Girls Club Junior Staff program. As a member of the Keystone Club, the Boys & Girls Club's leadership and community service group, he was involved in several community and Club service projects that helped to hone his leadership skills.

"Of all the places that I've gone to in my life, none has been more influential than the Boys & Girls Club," Jason said, "The Club has left a beneficial impact on my life that I will carry with me forever."

"This year's Youth of the Year recipient is a caring leader who has a strong commitment to community outreach programs. Aside from the time he spends at the Club, he volunteers at his school as a student sportscaster and helps aspiring young musicians. He has a passion and excitement for learning and he is a leader in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in the orchestra", says Barbara Cutri, Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. After high school, Jason has aspirations to go to college. He sees continuing his education as an opportunity to follow his dreams, which will ultimately lead him to pursuing a career in Sports Journalism.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914) 666-8069 or by clicking through our website. To contact the Club's Teen Center, located at 317 Main Street in Mt. Kisco, please call (914) 733-0033.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester was established in 1939 as a place for "boys to get off the streets". It is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. 

Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, games room, and two computer labs, and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester serves 2,500 youths, boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Press Contact: Kat McKee, Co-Communications, (914) 666-0066, kat@cocommunications.com

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-8069