Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of club members. Each year, two exceptional club members are selected to be the Boy & Girl of the Year from each Clubhouse. The Organization's Youth of the Year is then selected. These extraordinary members serve as both an exemplary ambassador for Wakeman Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of the Club's young people.

Fairfield Prep is both pleased for and proud of the exemplary contribution made by Matthew Sawyer '21 and Jonathan Straker '22 in their being named Wakeman Youth of the Year 2021. Matthew and Jonathan have each distinguished themselves by their character and by their commitment to support positive growth in the lives of others by their outreach through the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club.

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Matthew Sawyer

Matthew is a senior at Fairfield Prep who has distinguished himself as an outstanding student and community member on campus by the full investment of his talents in and out of the classrooms of Prep.  As a member of the National Honor Society, Matthew will graduate with high honors and as a standout baseball athlete. At Wakeman, Matt is a member of the Junior Staff at the Southport Clubhouse and plays in the Red Baker Basketball League. He has been a part of the Torch Club, Keystone Club and Great Futures Mentoring Program as well as serving as a pee-wee basketball coach.

Matt’s Prep journey has been a time of extraordinary growth. Matt has come to know the value and rewards which come from being present to others and possesses the confidence to put himself out there for others. He is strong personally, adventurous in seeking new avenues of growth and is kind and caring in his relationships. Matt will attend Santa Clara University in the fall. With a bright future ahead, Fairfield Prep congratulations Matthew.

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Jonathan Straker

Jonathan is completing his junior year at Fairfield Prep and has been a member of the Smilow Burroughs Clubhouse for the past four years, and is a member of the Keystone Club and the Diplomas2Degrees Program through which he has experienced a number of college tours.  Jonathan is building a strong academic record at Prep by his consistent hard work and dedication to excellence. He is a “make a difference” young person who has also invested himself in community life at Prep as a member of the Chess Club, as a participant in the intramural sports programs and as a student ambassador. He is also a member of Prep’s Bowling Team. As he grows in awareness of his talents and interests, Jonathan anticipates a career in business where he would create products to benefit others.

As Jonathan continues his Prep journey, he does so as a young person who confidently seeks personal growth and excellence. He is a giving young man who serves others on and off campus and one who has made a significant contribution to ministry in his church. Sincere, responsible and confident, he represents himself, his family and school well and Fairfield Prep congratulates Jonathan.