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Orlando Rider has been named the George Krupanski Jr. 2022 Youth of the Year among seven other finalists. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 75th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire.
“We are very proud of Orlando and all that he has accomplished during his time at the Club” says John Wellons, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. “I know that he will go on to do great things, and we are incredibly excited to watch him represent Delaware at regionals.”
Currently a senior at Freire Charter School, Orlando will attend Delaware State University this fall to pursue a degree in criminal justice. Having worked in the club through the Summer Youth employment program, Orlando was quickly promoted to Junior Youth Development Professional. He is looking forward to having his own classroom this year for Summer Fun Club. Orlando credits his grandmother, time as a club kid and experience through the employment program for making him who he is today. “The Club holds a special place in my heart and I know I would not be the same person without it in my life” he says.
During the Youth of the Year Gala, Orlando also received the Best Essay award for the essay portion of his application. With over 180 volunteer hours this past year and his dedication to his education, he has proven that he has what it takes to represent Delaware at the regional competition.
“Orlando has been coming to the Club for over ten years. I’ve watched him become an incredibly confident and strong young man. Our staff and kids are very proud of him!” says Amanda Alexandar, Director of the Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club. “He’s excited to represent Delaware at the regional Youth of the Year competition. He understands how big of a deal this is, and is thankful for the opportunity.”
Orlando will now go on to compete for the title of Northeast Regional Youth of the Year in June and an additional $20,000 in college scholarship. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2022, 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 $50,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the Oval Office.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware:
Since 1931 Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware (bgclubs.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 42 Clubs serve 30,000 children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Located throughout the state, the Clubs also serve military families at the Boys & Girls Club-affiliated Youth Center at the Dover Air Force Base. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. To learn more visit bgclubs.org. Follow us bgclubs.org/facebook, bgclubs.org/instagram, bgclubs.org/twitter
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit https://www.bgca.org/programs/character-leadership/youth-of-the-year?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4PKTBhD8ARIsAHChzRLH6FwoS8IKZLhLrnj8LOfn3iyhaKnAXSnljNXzMLBUiiKaR7g7kPAaApIOEALw_wcB
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