Seven New Hampshire young men and women were recognized for their contributions to their families, schools and communities in ceremonies at the State House on May 14.

The seven youth were chosen by each of their local Boys and Girls Clubs as Youth of the Year for their club, based on their exemplary leadership skills, academic performance and contributions to society. The seven individuals underwent a vigorous screening process that included an essay contest and interviews with community volunteer judges. They are recipients of the highest award given to club members.

“The Youth of the Year program, for youth ages 14 to 18, has been an integral part of Boys and Girls Clubs of America for over 60 years,” said Rich Lowney, president of the New Hampshire Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. Nationally, this program is supported by the Reader’s Digest Foundation. In New Hampshire, the statewide Youth of the Year program has received support from Comcast and the Ninety- Nine Restaurants, said Lowney.

The winners were each recognized by Speaker of the House Terie Norelli and the 400 member House of Representatives at the beginning of their session and then met with Gov. John Lynch in his office. The winners were also individually recognized by Senate President Sylvia Larsen and received proclamations from the Senate.

The seven Youth of the Year are Sean Pirttiaho of Hopkinton, Joe Aberle of Derry, James LaBrie of Laconia, Joe Calderon of Manchester, Jessica Hatch of Milford, Kaitlyn Beal of Salem and Rocio Camacho of Nashua. Rocio Camacho has also been chosen as the New Hampshire Boys and Girls Club Alliance statewide Youth of the Year and will represent New Hampshire in the regional competition in New York this summer.

Boys and Girls Clubs in New Hampshire served more than 19,000 registered members and reached more than 45,000 young people last year, through programs and activities run by seven clubs at 28 program and 16 school-based sites, reaching 82 communities in the state.

New Hampshire clubs are headquartered in Concord, Derry, Lakes Region/Laconia, Manchester, Nashua, Salem, Souhegan Valley/Milford. Thet are proud to be part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, a national network of more than 4,000 community and neighborhood- based facilities annually serving some 4.8 million young people in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide.

As “The Positive Place for Kids,” clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6 to 18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys and Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation and family outreach. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.