Rachael Cummings (center), of Montpelier, was named the 2015 Vermont Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Rachael Cummings, 16, has been named the 2015 Vermont Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. The program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all youth to lead, succeed and inspire.

As the Vermont Youth of the Year, Cummings will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $5000 college scholarship from BGCA and an additional $1000 scholarship from Ninety-Nine restaurants, and will go on to compete in the regional Youth of the Year event, ultimately vying for the national title.

Cummings has been an active member of the Basement Teen Center (BTC) in Montpelier for over three years. The BTC, a program under the direction of the Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Club (WCYSB), is a drop-in space for youth ages 13-18 to come together and participate in activities that encourage positive growth. Programs include academic support, mentorship, civic engagement, leadership development, nutrition programs and more. The BTC serves between 200-300 youth each year. Programming at the BTC is facilitated by trained staff and is free of charge for all teens.

For full story, check out next week’s edition of The WORLD.