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5/8/2013
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Woonsocket House delegation honors local Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year winner
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 STATE HOUSE – The Woonsocket House delegation recognized a local high school student this month for being named the Boys & Girls Club of Woonsocket 2012 Youth of the Year.
Austin Taft, a Woonsocket High School junior who has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Woonsocket for the past three years, said the organization helped him develop good character and confidence in the face of challenges. Aside from being a junior staff member at the club, he is a graduate of the SMART Leaders, Money Matters and Career Launch programs. Additionally, he is a cadet senior airman, assistant logistics officer and drill team member in the Air Force Junior ROTC.
At school, one can find him participating in the National Honor Society or leading the boys cross country team as its captain. He also serves as a thrower for the track and field team.
“We are so proud of Austin and all the great work he’s been doing,” Rep. Lisa Baldelli Hunt (D-Dist. 49, Woonsocket) said. “It is great to be able to honor a young person who has set such a great example for his peers and the community.”
Rep. Robert D. Phillips (D-Dist. 51, Woonsocket, Cumberland) added that with all of the negative news that comes out of Woonsocket, it was a nice change to have the city stand out for one of its youth.
“Here is someone who clearly works hard, whether it is in academics, sports or extracurricular activities,” Representative Phillips said. “The Boys & Girls Club most definitely had something to do with that, and we are proud to have it be such an integral part of our city. It just goes to show the kind of impact organizations like this one can have on a community.”
The Youth of the Year award is typically distributed to one boy or girl from each area Boys & Girls Club. He or she must exemplify academic excellence, community leadership and dedication to service.
“Austin has represented the city of Woonsocket well,” Rep. Stephen M. Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket) said. “This talented young man certainly holds many of the positive qualities we see throughout our community each day, and we wish him the best. His achievement is a great example of what one can accomplish with hard work and perseverance.”
For more information, contact:
Brenna McCabe, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457
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