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Greenwich Teen Honored As Youth Of The Year By Boys & Girls Club

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Matheus Chaves was selected as the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich Youth of the Year.

Matheus Chaves was named the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich the Youth of the Year.

Matheus Chaves was named the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich the Youth of the Year.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Chaves, 17, will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. The winner will be announced April 17.

Matheus was recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s 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.

“We are so proud of Matheus and all of his accomplishments thus far. He has exemplified the qualities of a young leader with his positive attitude and willingness to help others,” said Don Palmer, director of programs at Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.

Matheus has been a member of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich for eight years and has participated in a range of the Club’s programs, including academic tutoring, stage crew for club theater productions and instructing technology programs. 

He was a member of the Torch Club, a leadership and service club for members ages 11-13 and currently serves as the treasurer of Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service.  Matheus is also a Clubhouse summer camp counselor and has been a lifeguard at the club.

Matheus’ commitment to service does not end only at Boys and Girls Club. His community service activities include volunteering at Adopt-A-Dog, Greenwich Alliance’s Turkey Trot, various athletic events throughout Greenwich and visiting Nathaniel Witherell.

At Greenwich High School, Matheus is a Greenwich Alliance Representative, Names Day team member, a high honors student and served as a Freshmen Peer Mentor.  He is also active as a junior varsity athlete and enjoys playing basketball, soccer, baseball, football and wrestling.  After graduation, Matheus aspires to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy and Athletic Training and serve in the Air Force.

“I am so grateful for being selected as Youth of the Year and am very excited to represent the Club that has changed my life and done so much for me,” said Matheus.  As the recipient of this honor at Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Matheus hopes to lead by example in the coming years, “I want to continue to be a leader at the Club and show members what an honor it is to be a part of the BGCG family.”

If Matheus wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor.  Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September to compete for the title of BGCA’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.

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