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Naples teen recognized as Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year

Fundraising extended to generate additional support

Boys and Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County announced Lovensky Germain as its 2021 Youth of the Year, honoring the Naples teen for his achievements at the club, in the classroom and around the community.

The Youth of the Year program honors students who exemplify the virtues of good character, academic excellence, community service and strong leadership. Because this year’s awards program was virtual, the Boys & Girls Club will continue to accept donations from supporters unable to join the Youth of the Year livestream on Feb. 23.

Germain, an 18-year-old senior at Mason Classical Academy in Naples, has been a Boys & Girls Club member for 13 years and credits the nonprofit organization for helping him develop academically, socially and emotionally.

“Lovensky is a perfect representative for the values that the Boys & Girls Club promotes, like leadership, character, academic excellence and community service,” said Megan McCarthy Beauvais, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. “Like many of our students, Lovensky has faced obstacles, but his achievements show that perseverance, a good attitude and guidance from dedicated mentors can put any youth on the right trajectory in life.”

Though just a teen himself, Germain understands that he is seen and heard by younger peers, and welcomes it if they see him as a role model.

“I want to be the person a child looks up to when they feel like they can’t go on any longer,” said Germain, who was a Youth of the Year finalist in 2020. “I want to show children that no matter where you came from, you can achieve the great things which you desire through hard work and perseverance.”

Joining Germain in the spotlight at the virtual Youth of the Year ceremony were finalists Michelle Azord and Marck Massillon. More than 100 virtual attendees joined the livestream, which also recognized Lea Cole Smith with the 2021 Giving is Living Award. Smith is a longtime supporter and volunteer who has served on the board since 1996 and as chair of the FORE-the-Kids golf tournament.

The Boys & Girls Club raised nearly $400,000 in gifts and sponsorships during the Youth of the Year program. Donations will continue to be accepted through the nonprofit’s secure online portal by visiting BGCCC.com and clicking on the green donate button, or calling 239-325-1700.

The Youth of the Year program was generously sponsored by:

  • Hope & Opportunity Sponsors: Molly and Domenic Ferrante, Mary Pat and Frank Hussey, Audrey and Vaughn Pengelly, Karen J. Pulte Trust, and The Schoen Foundation.
  • Character and Citizenship Sponsors: Susan and Carl Bolch, Jr., JPMorgan Chase Private Bank, Juliana and George Phillips, Kathleen St. James and Robert Taylor, and Publix Super Markets Charities.
  • Academic Success Sponsors: Joel Lipman, M.D., Dianne and Jim Safley, Lea and David Smith, First Florida Integrity Bank, and Stock Development.
  • Healthy Lifestyles Sponsor: Linda Dubroof-McGinnis.
  • Leadership Development Sponsors: Kim and Curtis Artis, Jeanine and David Eklund, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gulfview Dental, IBERIABANK, Kay and Sam McCullough, Jerry F. Nichols, Penelope and Schuyler Peck, and Swinging with Purpose.
  • Fine & Performing Arts Sponsor: DeAngelis Diamond Construction, Inc.

Media Sponsor: Naples Daily News/LOCALiQ

 

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