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The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle celebrated the dedication of five community champions, the leadership of two accomplished youths and a record number of youths served during 2025 at its “Be Great” Annual Gala.

The high-energy sold-out Gala on May 5, attracted more than 200 attendees to the famed Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle. The Gala was preceded by a capacity crowd of golfers playing on Wykagyl’s iconic course. The events commemorated the Club’s quality, achievement-driven programming – including multifaceted Workforce Development Career Pathways – encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics.

“This year’s Annual Golf Outing and Be Great Gala was extraordinary,” said Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO Becky Mazzanobile. “Lower Westchester County’s generous support and investment in our youths help us expand opportunity, deepen impact and prepare thousands of youths for bright, successful futures as leaders in an ever-changing world. We are humbled by our youths and are encouraged by their strength and sense of purpose.”

The Gala, marking the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s 97th year, celebrated these honorees, introduced by City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds and Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Chief Program Officer William Iannuzzi: Sheldon Pride, former Interim President of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s Board of Directors, as Man of the Year; Terry Clements, a Westchester County Legislator, as Woman of the Year; and Mariano Rivera and Clara Rivera as Family of the Year. 

Hallie Lorber, Executive Director of the Mariano Rivera Save 653 Foundation, accepted the honor on the Riveras’ behalf. She described how Mariano Rivera’s faith inspired his career success. “What matters most to him is not his accomplishments, but what he is able to do now,” she said. “Education lasts a lifetime and it’s something that no one can take away from you. That’s what we do at the Mariano Rivera Foundation.” She also read a note from the Riveras in which they said they were humbled by the Club’s honor. “Tonight is really about the young people whose lives are taking shape every day,” the Riveras wrote. 

Leaders of several Workforce Development Career Pathways, as well as numerous youths who participate, attended the Gala to celebrate and thank the Riveras. Leaders included: Digital Print/Entrepreneurial Pathway: Representatives of the Mariano Rivera Public Foundation; Police Academy/Law Enforcement Track: Neil Reynolds, City of New Rochelle Police Commissioner; Firefighting Track: Andrew Sandor, Chief, New Rochelle Fire Department; Legal Track: Dr. Betty L. Campbell, Commissioner of Jurors, Westchester County, and Commissioner of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission; Culinary Track: Joseph S. Monaco, Vice President, Oak Tree Educational Partners; EMT/EMS Track: Lt. Omar Stout, a New York State EMT-B, New York State Certified Lab Instructor and  Recruitment Supervisor for Empress Ambulance Service; Keith Watkins, the City School District of New Rochelle’s Director of Facilities, for Service to Youth. 

Leslie Rodriguez as the Club’s 2026 Youth of the Year, for her leadership, academic excellence and commitment to service. She has a 4.0 grade point average as a New Rochelle High School junior, Iannuzzi said. She seeks to become an elementary school teacher. Rodriguez said growing up in a one-parent household after her father passed away has been her biggest challenge – but the Boys & Girls Club provided a refuge. Mentors “became pillars in my life and have given me confidence…. The Club has taught me the impact one person can make. It takes only one meaningful connection to change the course of one person’s life.”

Sean Merlo as the winner of the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Sparkle Scholarship Award. He was the Club’s 2025 Youth of the Year, has been a Club member since age 6 and will attend Iona University on a full scholarship. Sparkle is an acronym for Students Pursuing Academic Rewards, Knowledge, Love and Empowerment; Sparkle scholars are selectively named nationwide and receive a monthly stipend designed to help a young adult succeed. “He continues to be a role model,” Iannuzzi said. Merlo thanked his family, the Club and Club staff. “They have helped me through every aspect of life,” he said. “I owe them everything.”  

The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle served a record-setting 12,166 youths during 2025. That represents a 331% increase from the 2,821 youths served in 2021, and 19% more than the 10,205 youths served during 2024, reflecting how the Club has continually evolved to meet the increasing need for safe, supportive spaces for youths. The number of teens served soared to 1,005 in 2025, compared to 154 youths in 2020, and the number of summer campers is now above 700. 

The crowd was entertained by youth dancers from the Remington Clubhouse, directed by Remington Clubhouse Director Yolanda Roberson. Gala guests experienced a dynamic program that included inspiring remarks and opportunities to support the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s mission through silent and live auctions and a Giving Tree. Donations to the Giving Tree create meaningful differences in the lives of youths. A gift of $250 provides healthy snacks for a child for two months; $500 helps provide a scholarship for a child; $1,000 supports three weeks of summer camp; and $2,500 supports a child for the entire summer. Contributions are appreciated at https://bit.ly/48J2hsF.