Hanscom teen wins youth of the year honors

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Brenna Gonsalves can include Massachusetts Military Youth of the Year honors and a $5,000 college scholarship through the Boys & Girls Club of America to her growing list of accomplishments now.

Among her other accomplishments, the Hanscom teen has served multiple terms as president of the Keystone Club, a teen leadership group for youth ages 13 to 18. The club focuses on four areas: academic success, career preparation, community service and, a new one this year, engaging teens. With the guidance of an advisor, members aim to have a positive impact on other members, the club and community.

Gonsalves is an exceptional leader, who not only can voice her own ideas confidently, but has the uncanny ability to listen to others' suggestions and thoughts, said Shana Wickham, Youth Programs teen coordinator.

As the newly minted youth of the year in the military category, the 18-year old daughter of longtime Hanscom employees, Donald, 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron director, and Bethanie, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Resources manager, has been recognized by the Boys & Girls Club for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

In addition to her Keystone Club involvement, Gonsalves volunteers with the Youth Center and at Bedford High School as a student athletic director.

The Bedford High School senior who will graduate June 4 has been a member of Hanscom's Youth Program since age 9.

Gonsalves will study Business at Christopher Newport University in Virginia this fall where she has been accepted into the Presidential Leadership Program. The program is a four-year leadership education experience that "...empowers students to meet their potential and develop personal and social responsibility for the betterment of self and society," according to the school's website.

She follows in her older brother Dylan's footsteps who won youth of the year in 2007.

Being named youth of the year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA's premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the year encourages club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.

The Massachusetts military winner will now advance through to the regional competitions. After the Military Youth of the Year is named at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in the fall, winners advance to join the five regional Youth of the Year finalists from traditional BGCA clubs to compete for the National Youth of the Year title.

The Youth Center is always looking for other youths of high merit who are outstanding members in their school and throughout the community to nominate as Youth of the Year. For further information, call the Youth Center at 781-225-6043.