Dear Members and Supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain

It is my pleasure to announce that James Jones has been named the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain. This prestigious award is given annually to a young person who exemplifies outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and community service.

James has been an integral part of our community for many years, having grown up playing in the Ryan T Lee biddy basketball program where he discovered his love for basketball. With the guidance of mentors like Berwyn Kelly and Marco Villa, James learned the fundamentals of the game and developed into an exceptional athlete.

James has also been a positive influence on his peers and an active participant in many of our community service programs, including turkey pick-up drives, toy drives, and cultural heritage events. He has always been an enthusiastic and dedicated member of our organization, encouraging many of his friends to join the club over the years.

Beyond his contributions to the Boys & Girls of New Britain Jones' talent and success have not gone unnoticed by college scouts, Jones has maintained a 3.89 GPA while attending East Catholic , he has received offers from several Division I programs, including the University of Pennsylvania, Siena College, Columbia University, Wagner College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Sacred Heart University, Central Connecticut State University, and Saint Peter's University. His decision to complete a post-grad year at Worcester Academy will provide him with an extra year of growth and development at the age of 17, setting him up for success at the collegiate level

His accomplishments include being named The Game Basketball Player of the Year, The Max Prep Player of the Year, and the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Player of the Year, as well as earning back-to-back high school Division One State Championships and Division One State Championship MVP honors.

We are thrilled to congratulate James on this well-deserved honor and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors. We are proud to have him as a part of our community and look forward to seeing all that he will achieve in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Berwyn Kelley , Lisette Velasquez