Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto celebrates 2025 Youth of the Year

When it came to picking the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties' Youth of the Year, the judges did not have an easy task. Their job involved choosing among five finalists with accomplishment-packed resumes and video interviews. 

President and CEO Bill Sadlo announced the winner at the club's Youth of the Year celebration, March 7, to thunderous applause as Ava M. made her way to the podium to address the crowd of about 230 people at the Lee Wetherington Club.

"I'm happy to announce that I will be attending West Point Military Academy after my Pine View School graduation in May," said Ava.

Finalists Angel V., Ava M., Liam D., Nazaria D., and Sophie B. mingled with guests, played cornhole and took photos during the cocktail reception prior to the announcement. 

Mostly clad in denim, cowboy hats, boots, bandanas and flannel shirts to beat the chilly air, guests enjoyed a catered Gecko's barbecue buffet and country music.

Longtime club supporters Steve and Marjolaine Townsend are both the first in their families to attend and graduate from college, and said they pledge to help as many students as possible.

"Between Connecticut and Florida, we have put 550 students through their freshman and sophomore years of college. It is our life passion to help young people achieve their dream," said Steve Townsend. This year the couple awarded 30 scholarships that cover the first two years of college to kids at Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

The 2018 Youth of the Year winner, Rickey Tedesco, said he is an example of the impact Boys and Girls Clubs can have. Often bullied at school and having his car vandalized multiple times, Tedesco went on to win the Florida Youth of the Year and is now a working dancer, singer, actor and musician. 

"I was a member of the Robert and Joan Lee Boys and Girls Club in Venice," Tedesco said. "The club was my safe space, and I want students to know that through this club and the support I received, I could achieve anything that I was willing to work hard for."

Tedesco, who has performed with the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, brought the evening to a close as he performed a song from the movie, "The Notebook," which was met with a standing ovation.