WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield teen Thu Zar Win has shown that she knows what it takes to be a leader and a mentor and, as a result, has been named the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Win, a senior at West Springfield High School, first became involved with the Boys & Girls Club in the summer of 2023, through one of the organization’s Workforce Readiness programs. The program trains young people in mentorship and gives them work experience. During the school year, Win spends afternoons mentoring the children and running activities.
“We provide a space for the children just to be kids,” she said of the Boys & Girls Club. “I didn’t think about it as work. I was spending time with the kids,” While she didn’t grow up as a “club kid,” Win said, “I felt like I really belonged here.”
Marissa Friedman, club experience director and safety coordinator, explained that leadership at the various branches of the Boys & Girls Club nominate individuals for the Youth of the Year program. Win was one of five candidates From the West Springfield club who were interviewed by a panel that included Boys & Girls Club board members and Mayor Will Reichelt.
“I think [Win] stuck out due to her academic dedication and her experience mentoring,” Friedman said. Win exemplifies the compassion, mentorship and support of a leader, Friedman added, pointing out that Win got to know the other candidates for Youth of the Year and consistently cheered them on and encouraged them.
Win, who plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall to pursue a degree in engineering, will compete in the statewide Youth of the Year competition at Gillette Stadium on May 13. The winner there will compete regionally and potentially at the national level. Being named Youth of the Year makes the winners eligible for scholarship opportunities. Friedman also said it “looks great” on a resume.
Reflecting on her role as a mentor, Win said, “I think anyone can be a support system. It’s very important to connect. Some of the children come to me about something they’re dealing with at home or at school and it’s made our bond stronger.” A teacher once told her to “be the adult I needed as a kid,” she said. “I try to do that for all the kids.”
