The club is a great place to just be a kid and grow up in a safe place," said Andionette "Andi" Ortiz, describing the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster. "I enjoy mentoring younger members and enjoy art projects at the club."

Andi, who has belonged to the club for two years, recently received acknowledgement of her contributions to the programming when she was honored as one of the club's Youths of the Year for 2025.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster holds annual recognition award banquets to honor the achievements of the outstanding young people at the club. Club members are recognized for their hard work, striving to improve their grades, improve their skills on the basketball court or on the chess board, explore science in STEM programs and perform acts of service in their club and community. Banquets are held each year at the four clubhouse locations in Lancaster County. Three are located in Lancaster city, and one is in Columbia.

Andi received her award at the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster's Columbia Clubhouse, 248 Locust St., at the end of April. She was recognized with remarks by clubhouse director Scott Gray, and she received a trophy as well as a personalized club fleece jacket.

The Youth of the Year award honors a young person who exemplifies leadership, resilience and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in his or her community. This recognition is given to a youth who not only excels personally, but also uplifts others through his or her actions, character and vision for a better future. The honored youth is a role model among their peers - someone who turns challenges into opportunities and dreams into action. 

"Andi is an incredible light, both in our club and this community," Gray shared. "She has been active across many club and school programs, including our teen leadership club, Keystone; the collaborative robotics program; working with members of the other three Boys & Girls Lancaster city clubs; the Mini-THON fundraiser, run by Columbia High School for childhood cancer; and, of course art programming."

Andi, who is a rising junior at Columbia High School, is the daughter of Katherine Pizart. When Gray lauded Andi's club contributions, he also noted that she strives to be a positive influence on others.

"Though she is busy, she always makes time to check in on her friends and family, taking care of those around her often before herself, on top of always being at the club," Gray said. "Apparent in her relationships, both with her peers and club staff, Andi is intelligent, creative, kind and generous and uses curiosity and imagination to navigate her day-to-day life."

Andi said she felt overwhelmed by the award recognition.

"I was excited to receive the award," she said. "It really means a great deal to me. I teared up when I gave my speech."

A variety of other awards were presented at the banquet, and three other young people earned Youth of the Year recognition at their clubhouses. The other winners are Sayvion Nelson of the Jack Walker Clubhouse on Lemon Street in Lancaster, Donnie Seigfried of the Hill Clubhouse on Water Street and Yavier Beltran-Rivera of the McMurtrie Clubhouse on Dauphin Street.

For many of the children who join the Boys & Girls Club, programs at the club are their main out-of-school time activities, and the banquet is their special night to be recognized for their unique talents and contributions. 

Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster CEO Karen Schloer emphasized the importance of the awards banquet.

"Recognition is a key part of our program philosophy," she said. "Recognition is more than just a pat on the back. It's a powerful spark that fuels a young person's sense of purpose, confidence and hope. When we celebrate the unique strengths and efforts of youth, we remind them that they matter, that their voices are heard and that their contributions make a difference."

Meaningful recognition can ignite lifelong motivation, inspire leadership and help young people envision a future filled with possibility, she said, adding, "It's not just about what they've done - it's about who they're becoming." 

Since 1939, Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster has played an integral role in the Lancaster community, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people each year. The club is open daily, offering out-of-school time programs that emphasize education and workforce development; character and leadership; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation. For more information, visit https://bgclanc.org or follow "Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster" on Facebook.