Springfield College Helps Recognize Springfield Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Recipient

Springfield College Vice President for Student Affairs Shannon Finning presented Darius Webb, 2017 Springfield Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year recipient, with a $20,000 undergraduate scholarship to attend Springfield College, at the recent youth of the year celebration at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club.

“Springfield College is honored to be able to award Darius this very special scholarship,” said Finning, who served as one of the judges in determining the youth of the year winner. “Through the help of Vice President for Enrollment Management Stuart Jones and the Office of Admissions at Springfield College, we were able to offer this scholarship to the youth of the year recipient, and support our local youth.”

Webb was the top choice of the three finalists that were eligible for the youth of the year honor. This award is part of a yearlong process at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club that highlights local youth monthly.

“Each month, our staff at the Springfield Boys & Girls Club selects one youth of the month,” said Springfield Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Vincent Borello. “From the youth of the month winners, we chose three finalists to be eligible to receive the youth of the year award. We partner with local professionals to serve as judges in helping determine one lucky recipient.”

As Borello and Finning both explained when announcing the winner, all three finalists impressed the judges, but Webb’s personality, positive attitude, and career vision really made him standout from the other finalists.

Finalists have to submit recommendations from their teachers, and also draft an essay describing their academic experiences, and their academic and future career goals.

“This award really means a lot and it’s very rewarding because of the hard work that went into getting the recommendations and writing the essay,” said Webb. “This award can open a lot of doors moving forward and it’s nice to receive this special honor.”

The partnership between Springfield College and the Springfield Boys & Girls Club is set up with a focus on helping youngsters in the Pioneer Valley reach their academic dreams.

“As I started to research this award, I realized it plays right into the mission of Springfield College,” said Finning. “There is a focus on academic excellence, leadership and service, and a focus on the health and development of the whole person. So for me, it seemed like a natural partnership and connection between the College and Boys & Girls Club.”