Mario Lamarre Honored for His Work with Brockton Youth

ATLANTA, July 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Mario Lamarre, of Brockton, Mass., has been named the 2019 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth Development Professional MVP for his dedication and hard work to keep youth on the path to achieve great futures. In celebration of 80 years of Batman, Boys & Girls Clubs of America joined DC in a first-ever partnership to recognize kids, teens and youth development professionals who stand up for positive change in their communities – just like Batman.

Lamarre was one of five finalists across the country eligible for the Youth Development Professional MVP Award and was selected through a public vote. The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton will receive $10,000 through the partnership with DC and in recognition of Lamarre's achievements.

Club staff serve as mentors and program facilitators, and build supportive relationships that foster a sense of belonging and purpose for young people in Boys & Girls Clubs. The YDP MVP Award provided Clubs across the country the chance to nominate a Club professional who best exemplifies what it means to be committed to the Boys & Girls Club mission.

When Mario Lamarre was a senior in high school, he was required to complete 200 hours of community service in order to graduate. He began to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton and immediately became an integral addition to the Club community. He made such strong connections at the Club that, in just one year, he ended up completing twice as many community service hours than he needed to for school.

"Fourteen years later, Mario is still here making a difference in the lives of Brockton youth," said Derek Heim, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton. "Mario maintains his commitment to our values and our vision in everything he does and is always looking for ways to learn and grow within his position. His passion for serving the youth of Brockton radiates to those around him and ignites that same passion in his colleagues. We are so happy for Mario and honored for the award to be a part of Boys & Girls Club of Brockton."

Club membership has increased since Mario became the Teen Director for Boys & Girls Club of Brockton, as Club members have encouraged their friends to join. Mario serves as an important presence in the lives of Club members, as he has faced similar challenges as many of our members and can provide guidance based on real-life experience.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America partnership with DC continues nationwide through September in celebration of Batman's 80^th Anniversary. Fans can join in on social media using the hashtag #Batman80 and #LongLiveTheBat. Visit www.Batman80.com for the latest news and updates.

ABOUT DC

Home to iconic and globally recognized Super Heroes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world and a creative unit of WarnerMedia, publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year. Founded in 1934 with the launch of Detective Comics, DC is charged with strategically integrating its stories and characters across Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia properties.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,600 Clubs serve over 4.7 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Related Links

http://www.bgca.org