The Waltham Boys & Girls Club is proud to announce Christopher Nicolas as the 2011 Youth of the Year for the Waltham Boys & Girls Club.  Selected among several local, outstanding youth, seventeen-year old Christopher is a true example of an extraordinary young man. Chosen by the judges (Trevor Dodge-AstraZeneca, Madeline Osit-Beacon Application Services, Frank Rampino–The Ninety Nine Restaurant) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.  As the local sponsor of the event, the Ninety Nine Restaurant in Waltham will be hosting a dinner for Chris and presenting him with a certificate, $99 gift card to the restaurant and a $99 Amex gift card.

Christopher Nicolas will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Massachusetts Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. The state competition will be held at Westfield State University on May 6^th.       

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions a member had made to his family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

“Chris’s character is a shining example for both his peers and younger members who attend the Club.  Teens want to be like him and younger members look up to him “ said Jenn Aldworth, Executive Director of the Waltham Boys & Girls Club.

Chris has had the opportunity to learn responsibility earlier than many young people his age. Chris’s brother Alex is autistic and Chris takes responsibility for Alex much of the time.  Chris takes his brother out with his friends and brings him to the Boys & Girls Club to watch basketball games or participate in other activities.  Many times, if Chris is invited out with his friends and he feels it isn’t an appropriate situation for his brother, he will stay home. He has used his relationship with his brother as a way to give back through the Best Buddies program.

Chris has been accepted to Fisher College in Boston, MA where he plans to study education. There he will attain his goal of being the first person in his immediate family to attend college. Chris understands that he will need to work hard to be successful in college and is ready for any future challenges. His teachers praise Chris for his ability to communicate his ideas well within the classroom. He is most excited for the opportunity to meet new people at Fisher College and experience the diversity Fisher has to offer.

If Christopher wins at the state level, he will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2011, to compete 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 up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.