Selected among several local outstanding youth, Nayomi Spencer will compete against other Boys & Girls Club Members for the New York State Youth of the Year title. It was a sentimental celebration during the March 16 Keystone awards ceremony for the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Western Queens, where accolades and acknowledgments were equally shared among youth and mentors.

The club’s first-annual honors event commenced at 7 p.m. in the Broccoli Theater, with the club’s Executive Director Terence Hughes serving as main orator. Assisting Hughes in dispersing awards of the night was Education Director Ariel Gagliard.

Clips of club members who received awards were projected on a large screen for the substantial audience of approximately 250. During the video playbacks, members expressed their motivation and appreciation for the presence of the Boys & Girls organization, while also sharing some fond memories.

Danisha Harrell was presented with a brand new bike as she was named the 2011 Dancer of the Year. Photo Jessie Schoonover Character and leadership certificates were awarded to students in the following programs: Something More In Life Experiences (S.M.I.L.E.), which includes club members from six to nine years old, aims to shape positive decision-making skills while covering topics such as bullying prevention and comprehensive compare and contrasting activities.

The Torch Club works with young adolescents during a pivotal age frame, implementing activities within the four areas of community, education, health and fitness and social recreation.

Cash awards are given to those students who are presented as top entries during the National Torch Club Project awards. The Passport to Manhood program is comprised of 14 sessions which concentrate on reinforcing character, positive behavior and leadership qualities among male club members.

Smart Girls is a program used to encourage healthy attitudes and living behaviors that help young girls actuate their potential. Career Launch works with ages 13 through 18 to prepare members for the workforce while exploring career possibilities and practical job-seeking knowledge.

The ceremony’s first award-recipient, Aracelys Calderon, was recognized as winner of the Power Points award within the educational division.

Danisha Harrell, the evening’s next award winner, was presented with a brand new bike as she was named the 2011 Dancer of the Year.

Raquaisha Smith received the Actor of the Year award, and added within her video entry that one of her favorite memories as a part of the club has been competing and performing within the National Conference in Atlanta, Ga. with her friend Stephanie.

Willie Britton received the Most Active Male award.

The Most Active Female award was given to Ashly Huerta, who thanked the club for being, “a place where I can do my homework and have fun”.

Najee Johnson was named Scholar Athlete, who positively suggested always putting scholastics ahead of sports among priorities. Sara Bikheet was awarded the Most Committed Club Member award, attributing the club to personally achieving higher grades and an improved education.

Club employee Matthew Zarate was awarded the 2011 Above and Beyond award. Zarate himself has been a longtime member and participant in the club.

Gratuities of thanks were paid to local law enforcement officers, the New York University research participants, and Kohl’s department store, Starbucks, Goodwill and the I Have A Dream Foundation. Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Sheila Kouakou and Humanitarian of the Year went to Linda Ditrinco.

Program Director Blair Trunzo fought back emotions while introducing the candidate suitable to represent the 2011 Youth of the Year. Winner Nayomi Spencer has been a member of the club for 13 years and a member of the performing arts group. She will now be given the opportunity to go to Albany and compete with 52 other Boys & Girls Club youths during the National Youth competition.

“I enjoy coming here every day,” Spencer said. “You can be the best you can be.”

“Don’t say that you can’t be the best, because you can,” Spencer concluded.