Connor Nee is a Youth of the Year at BGCB

May 4, 2010---Connor Nee of South Boston is a pillar of dependability and consistency, according to family members, teachers and Club staff. He is known as a leader and as someone with deep compassion for others, whether it’s his 85-year-old grandmother, or less fortunate community members he has never met. “My philosophy on life is simple,” Connor says. “Show everyone the respect you would want shown to you.”

As a young Club member, Connor enjoyed the social recreation department; the pool, where he was a member of the swim team; and the gym, where he played intramural and travel sports. He was elected to the Club Council as a pre-teen, serving as an ambassador for the Club, giving tours and speaking at special events. As a member of the Junior Staff, Connor showed initiative and sought more responsibility and training. He worked as a lifeguard in the Club’s pool, where he was always cheerful and reliable. Once he became a teen, he was elected president of Keystone Club, a leadership and service group, where he has proved to be a dynamic leader able to inspire his peers. In all of these roles, he has demonstrated impeccable personal integrity, humility, a wonderful sense of humor, and respect for others.

Connor, who is described as “being helpful without being asked,” has performed community service work through the Club and in the community. As a Boston Shines volunteer, he has helped clean South Boston streets. He spearheaded a campaign to raise money to purchase mosquito nets to stop the spread of malaria in Africa and worked to help the homeless here in Boston. In the Club, he oversaw dances for younger members; organized canned goods drives for a local food bank, where he also volunteers to serve food; and served on the St. Patrick’s Day Road Race Committee.

Connor is motivated about his future and views college as a new beginning. He hopes to use his education to prepare for a career as a teacher, giving him a chance to share what he has learned with younger generations.

“The Club is like a second home,” he says. “It’s always been there for me in my time of need and I think of the staff as an extra set of parents. A strong mentor is important for a young person, and fortunately the Club has provided me with that.”

What others say about him is that he is “one of the most kind-hearted, selfless, and caring individuals” they have ever met.

*Source: http://www.bgcb.org/YOY_Connor_Nee.cfm