Ferrazzani Middlesex County Youth of the Year

Boys and Girls Club Recognizes MHS Sophomore with Top Honor

Andrew Ferrazzani is pictured above with Mayor Michael McGlynn, Middlesex County Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Mechilia Eng, and Gene Mack Clubhouse Program Director Kimberly Loud. Courtesy photo.

The following announcement is from the Boys and Girls Club of Middlesex County:

Although there were many deserving youth nominated to be the 2009 Middlesex County Youth of the Year, one winner has been chosen! The selected recipient is Andrew Ferrazzani from the Medford Boys & Girls Club.

The judging was based on criteria such as academics, community service and involvement within the club.

Andrew is currently a sophomore at Medford High School. He is a co-captain of the Junior Varsity baseball team and he can often be found volunteering his time to videotape and announce at MHS hockey, football and basketball games. Additionally, Andrew maintains a 3.4 grade point average and has been nominated to be a part of the National Honor Society in his upcoming junior year.

At home, Andrew is the oldest of three boys. His parents boast that he will clean the house and shovel out elderly neighbors’ driveways without ever being asked. Andrew’s father, Paul, proudly wrote the following about his son, “When you have a child you try to instill values in them and teach them to love and respect others. Sometimes you wonder if they pay attention to what you are doing and teaching them. With Andrew, there is no question.”

Andrew has been a member of the Medford Boys & Girls Club since June of 2008. He is patient with the younger members, offers enthusiasm in any situation and is definitely a self-starter. Drew facilitated his own program this past winter called Smart Moves. He taught young boys, aged 6-8, about healthy eating habits, lifestyle and body image. The boys in his program loved it so much that they often asked if they could meet on days when it wasn’t scheduled. Medford Club Director Bruce Barrett is thrilled to have Drew as a part of his team. “Often times, Drew can be found consoling a child who lost their homework or applying a band-aid to a scraped knee. The members are quick to find him when they need a shoulder because of his warm personality and natural patience,” said Bruce.

Drew is definitely the type of high school student who can easily make friends and get along with anyone. However, it is not difficult to see a difference between Drew and his peers. He clearly has a maturity level about him that is head and shoulders above his classmates. He shows confidence and self-assuredness when he comes into the club each day. It is refreshing when Drew, as a 16 year old high school sophomore, can sit down with his co-workers after a full day at school with his head swimming and ask how their day has been and how things are going at the club. He is tirelessly polite, respectful and interested in others. He truly cares for the people in his life and that shows in his words, his actions and how he chooses to spend his time giving to his community and neighbors.

Andrew received a $200 American Express card as well a $99 gift card to the NinetyNine Restaurant. Both of these were generously donated by the NinetyNine Restaurant of Somerville, MA who sponsors our Youth of the Year dinner each year.