Xiadani De Le Lima is Named the 2024 Youth of the Year

When Xiadani De Le Lima and her family immigrated to the Gate City of Nashua from Mexico the summer of 2017, the then 10-year-old knew little English and had no idea how to begin making friends, participating in activities, and navigating the American school system. That fall, everything changed for the better when her parents brought her to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua (BGCN). She credits BGCN for helping her to learn English, participate in new experiences, build relationships, develop leadership skills, get her first job, apply to college, and most importantly feel a sense of belonging and equality in a place that has become her second home.

Today, the now-17-year-old is gearing up to graduate from Nashua High School South and pursue post-secondary education to become a respiratory therapist. She plays field hockey and holds various leadership positions in school and at the Club as the President of Health Occupation Students of America, President of Best Buddies, President of Student Language Assistance, and as the former President of the BGCN’s Keystone Leadership Club. In her leadership roles, De Le Lima’s focus is on bridging gaps between Spanish-speaking youth and their non-Spanish speaking peers. For these reasons and more, she has been named the BGCN’s 2024 Youth of the Year.

“The culture shock I faced coming to Nashua fuels my desire to ensure other young people experience the same warm welcome and support that the Club gave to me,” says De Le Lima. “For the past seven years, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua has been my main source of knowledge and mentorship. It’s a safe space where I built up my English vocabulary and made lifelong friendships. It’s where I’ve been taken outside of my comfort zone and realized who I am and what I want to be. When I was younger, I remember meeting and feeling inspired by the Youth of the Year. It’s crazy to think this year it’s me!”

On May 8, De Le Lima will be honored during the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua’s annual Youth of the Year & Hall of Fame Celebration, which shines a light on the successes of Club members with support from the Greater Nashua community.

“Xiadani represents the values, mission and work of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua is so many ways,” says Craig Fitzgerald, the Club’s Executive Director who, as a BGCN alum, knows firsthand the impact the Club and its programs can have on children and families. “To see her journey of self-discovery, leadership and contributions to her community come to fruition has been a joy and is a reminder of why we do this work.”

As the BGCN’s 2024 Youth of the Year, De Le Lima will compete against honorees from other Clubs to represent the Northeast region in a Boys & Girls Club of America national competition. She will use her platform to ensure Club kids of all backgrounds have continued access to programs and mentorship that build foundations in academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

“My first experience helping someone was at the Club,” says De Le Lima. “Through Teen Council, I was able to deliver food boxes to homes of those in need. Since then, I have made it my mission to volunteer through the Club and in my community. Seeing the grateful expression on someone’s face after you’ve helped them is the most rewarding feeling and I am so thankful for all the Club has given to me. I just want to pay it forward.”

The Youth of the Year & Hall of Fame Celebration, set for May 8 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua-based facility, highlights the unique accomplishments of the exemplary young people the Club serves and the daily efforts of its staff, volunteers, community partners and alumni to provide an environment in which members feel physically and emotionally safe, are supported and recognized by caring adults, have an opportunity to try new things, have fun, and feel a sense of belonging. The event is free for all. No advance registration is required.