Ray Ortiz Age: 18
Bristol Eastern High School
Senior
On Wednesday, April 28th 2009, in the Hall of Flags at Connecticut's State Capitol Ray Ortiz was named Connecticut's State Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Ray competed with 15 other Youth of the Year finalist throughout the state of Connecticut. The winner was selected from among the finalist based on criteria which included information regarding service to Home and Family, School records, service to Community, involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, and Life Goals, Finalist also completed two (2) essays: "What the Boys & Girls Club Means to Me" and "The Benefits of a Post-High School Education". Each finalist were then interviewed by a panel of government and community leaders who made the final selection.
Raymond Ortiz has been a member of the Bristol Boys & Girls Club for ten years,as an active member of the Cambridge Park Outreach Unit. Ray volunteers in many aspects of the Club from education, to sports, and health and life skills. He was highly involved in the Roberto Clemente Baseball League as a captain; has served as a coach in the fall flag football league, and as a volunteer in the summer Rookie League baseball program. In addition, he has volunteered as a Power Hour aide, as a Games Room captain and in the Teenage Program. Recently he also took on the lead role as a Passport to Manhood instructor, where he promotes responsibility in the Club for boys ages 11-14.
In addition, Ray is committed to doing his part to improve the quality of life in his neighborhood. He regularly volunteers for the Give Thanks thanksgiving program; and for the Housing Authority’s Food share program. He has also taken an active role recruiting families to participate in both the Family Technology Nights and School Readiness programs so the Cambridge Park children a re ready for kindergarten.
Ray is currently a senior at Bristol Eastern High School where he maintains an excellent grade point average and is a member of the varsity basketball and football and teams. His goal is to continue to perform well at the academic level and pursue a college degree in architecture following graduation.
Ray competed in the selection for the Northeast Regional Youth of the Year last July in New York City, finishing in the top 5.