Massachusetts Youth of the Year Travels to Washington
By Erik Milster
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 — Eighteen-year-old Noelia Bare of Lawrence joined four other young persons from across the nation in Washington this week as finalists for the National Youth of the Year Award presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Bare, a six-year member of the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club, was invited to Washington as winner of the Northeast Regional Youth of the Year award. Bare, who arrived Sunday for her first visit in the nation’s capital, said, “Being down in Washington is unlike anything I have ever imagined.” Before the national winner was announced at a Congressional Breakfast Wednesday morning, Bare was introduced by Rep. Marty Meehan (D-Mass.), who described Bare’s accomplishments and dedication to the Boys and Girls Club as well as her academic achievements.
Meehan noted that “most importantly she is a mentor and a friend to the younger members of the club, who she calls her little sisters.”
The breakfast was held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill with about 300 persons in attendance. At one point during the breakfast, Bare and the other regional winners joined longtime Today Show weather reporter Willard Scott as he reported live from the event. Scott joked with the youngsters, who each wore red baseball hats with the Today Show logo on the front.
Raisa Velez, the associate director of the Girls Club of Lowell and Bare’s chaperone, said that while she hoped Bare would win the national award, Bare is already a winner in everyone’s eyes back home.
“We couldn’t sleep last night; it is just so amazing to be here,” Velez said. “Noelia has done so much for the Club that it is great to see her generosity being honored.”
The National Youth of the Year award ultimately went to Thomas Rancour of Michigan, the Midwest regional winner.
Bare said she would have loved to win, but she is not bitter. “It is sad that I didn’t win but of course it isn’t the end of the world,” she said. “I am just so proud to be part of this special event. Also, all of the finalists will get a chance to speak at Boys and Girls clubs across the nation throughout the year.”
This was the 53 rd year the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have given out the national award. Previously two youngsters from the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club have won the honor, the most by any club.
Each of the finalists spoke at a ceremonial dinner Tuesday night to thank everyone who has helped the Boys and Girls Clubs, including the Coca Cola Company, Reader’s Digest and All State Insurance. Bare told listeners how she enjoys the challenges being a part of the club has presented to her and explained her activities, which included being president of the Keystone Club where she provided leadership and planned community projects and being the founder, feature writer and editor for the Club newsletter, which reaches 2,000 people .
Bare also joked about her actives at the club. “I love to dance, and the club is a great place to dance.”
Prior to this week, none of the finalists had met each other, however once they met friendships were instantly formed, Bare said. “From the moment we met, we all felt a connection,” she said. “It’s like we knew each other for years and it was so easy to form bonds because we share similar goals of helping others.”
After the breakfast, Bare explored Washington. When asked, who was the most interesting person she met in Washington, Bare could not name just one. “Everyone I have met here has been great,” She said.
After leaving Washington, Bare will return to Merrimack College in North Andover where she is in her first semester, pursuing a degree in English. Even though she now in college, Bare still plans to be involved at the Boys and Girls Club. She is involved in a tutor program at Merrimack where they go to the Boys and Girls club and help girls aged three to five.
During the summer, Bare told the Eagle Tribune that one reason she chose Merrimack College was its proximity to the Club. “Just because I am in college doesn’t mean I should stop caring,” she said. “I want to still help out in any way that I can.”
