VERGENNES — The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes is thrilled to announce Zachary Botala is its Youth of the Year.

A VUHS senior, Botala has been coming to the club since he was 10 years old and most recently has acted as a mentor to younger youth.

“We have had the opportunity to see Zach grow and mature over the years and are so proud of the way he takes advantage of opportunities around him,” said club CEO Kat Nelson.

Botala is an avid outdoorsman who has participated in opportunities with Vermont Youth Conservation Corp and is a current student at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center in the forestry program. In addition, he recently achieved the highest ranking of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts. It is his commitment to the community and his leadership at the club that make him an excellent candidate for this program, Nelson said.

On Wednesday, May 26, Botala will compete against fellow Youth of the Year candidates from around the state for recognition as Vermont State Youth of the Year title. The winner will advance to the Northeast Regional Round. 

One exceptional club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of the nation’s young people.