Boys & Girls Clubs Names Vinson Smith "Youth of the Year”

Town of Wallkill, N.Y. (March 28, 2011) – Pine Bush High School Senior Vinson Smith has been named "2011 Youth of the Year” by the Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs.

This prestigious honor was given to Vinson for his years of service, not only to the Clubs, but to the community as a whole. For two years, Vinson volunteered every day after school at the Boys & Girls Club afterschool program at Circleville Elementary. He provided homework help, physical activities and friendship to the Club's largest elementary school program.

When asked why he spent so much time volunteering at the Clubs, Vinson said he "wanted to give the kids the same great experience” he had when he was member.

Vinson does not limit his community service to the Boys & Girls Clubs. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity to restore a home in the City of Newburgh and he is involved with his school's cancer society, which helps to raise money for cancer research.

In addition to his extensive service, Vinson maintains good grades, and hopes to continue his education next year at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He hopes this will put him on the right path to a career in law enforcement, where he will continue to serve the public.

"Vinson is a great example of what a young person can do for the community and is a role model for others his age. He will continue to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs and Orange County as an exceptional young man. We look forward to the great things Vinson is sure to accomplish in the future,” said BGC Executive Director Alexis Eggleton.