SOUTHEAST VA – On March 23, 2023, at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia held their Annual Youth of the Year Gala. This event was hosted by none other than WTKR’s favorite anchor Kurt Williams. Youth of the Year 2023 was a huge success for everyone in the room. Our youth were recognized for the hard work and dedication, our donors were a part of an amazing gala and contributed to help sustain the Clubs, and unfamiliar faces became new supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia. Thanks to everyone in the room, we raised over $270,000 to sustain Clubs.

This year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia (BGCSEVA) honored two Youths of the Year: Ndia Orr, Truitt Club in Chesapeake; and Noah Weeks, Eastern Shore Club on the Eastern Shore.

Noah Weeks placed 2nd in this year’s competition. Noah did a fantastic job introducing himself and speaking about his struggles growing up with his legally blind father. He explained how the Club helped him overcome some of these struggles and gave him a safe and fun place to relax. Noah plans to attend community college while actively pursuing his HVAC& real estate license after he graduates.

Ndia was this year’s winner and continued her journey in D.C to compete to win State Youth of the Year. Ndia gave a passionate speech about growing up and living in an area where gun violence is very predominant. Ndia goes on to vividly illustrate how the Club potentially saved her life. Ndia will attend Howard University to study Biology. She will use the Lewis D. Hirschler Scholarship Fund to help towards her education.

We also awarded program Leader and Club Alumni Brianna Hart the Scott Wicke Award that will also be used towards her education. In honor of the late Debbie McGaughey we gave her annual award to Lea McMannen, Club Director at our Thurgood location.

This year, we announced Judge Richard S. Bray, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Beazley Foundation, Inc. as the 2023 Hall of Fame inductee. The Hall of Fame honors community leaders who are integral to our organization’s success and have made remarkable strides toward ensuring that Great Futures Start Here.

Special thank you to our Title Sponsor – Family Dollar – and our Reception Sponsor – Xome – as well as our event sponsors.