Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club

Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club is proud to announce its 2025 scholarship recipients, celebrating the outstanding achievements of four inspiring young members who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to their community.

This year, Mia Mejia and Frank Andrade, two outstanding youth who exemplify perseverance, leadership, and academic promise, were honored with the Louis M. Sanford Scholarship. In addition, the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Scholarship was awarded to Kimberly Villalobos and Gianluca Aguilar, two dedicated members whose personal growth and community impact have been truly remarkable.

Mia Mejia, 17, has been a member of the Club since 2013. From her early days as a dancer to her current role as a Youth Development Professional, Mia has grown into a trusted mentor and role model. “The Club has been my second home, one that will always be a part of me,” she shared. Mia is graduating in the top of her class and has distinguished herself through her recognition in multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society, World Language Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and Rho Kappa. Mia will attend Boston College where she plans to major in Psychology.

Frank Andrade, 18, joined the Club in 2019 and leads both on and off the field, as Varsity Soccer Team Captain and as a Youth Development Professional. Frank’s dedication to academics and service includes volunteer work with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, coaching for Glen Cove Travel Soccer, and an internship with the Glen Cove Senior Center. A recipient of multiple academic awards, Frank will attend Hofstra University, where he plans to study Mechanical Engineering. “Thee Club opened my eyes to see that changing the world begins in your own community - with kindness, service, humility, and standing up for others. I have learned I do not have to wait to make an impact, I can start now,” said Frank.

Kimberly Villalobos, 17, has been with the Club since 2014. Her journey began in Dance and Mentoring Matters, later evolving into leadership roles including Head Group Leader in the Summer Youth Employment Program. Kimberly is also active in NYIT's Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), supporting underrepresented students in pursuing college and careers in math, science, and health fields. She will attend Molloy College, where she will major in Nursing. “The Club has shown me that you can work anywhere, but finding a place that feels like family is something truly special. That is what being part of the Glen Cove community means to me.” Kimberly reflected.

Gianluca Aguilar, 17, has been a part of the Club family since 2015. He began as a dedicated volunteer Counselor-in-Training, later a Summer Youth Staff and most recently as a Youth Development Professional. In 2017, his outstanding character and commitment earned him the distinction of Youth of the Month, a testament to his early leadership and positive influence. Known for his compassion and love of animals, Gianluca will attend Adelphi University, where he plans to major in Biology and pursue a career as a veterinary professional. “Growing up, the Club was like a second home to me, it is where I built lasting memories and developed into the person I am today,” Gianluca shared.

Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club congratulates all four recipients and their families. These scholarships, totaling $24,000 over four years, not only support their next chapter in higher education but also honor the Club’s mission to inspire and empower all youth and teens in our community to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. This commitment is central to the Club’s Future Ready strategic direction, which focuses on preparing young people to succeed in school, career, and life.