Justice Deveau is this year’s Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill Youth of the Year.
The 16-year-old was selected after a competitive process that included writing multiple essays and participating in an interview with members of the Club’s board of directors alongside Camila Mera, an alumnus of the Haverhill Club and former Youth of the Year winner.
“Their victory, in their third year applying for this prestigious award, is a testament to their remarkable resilience,” said Executive Director Javier Bristol, adding, “Justice has shown that no obstacle can deter them from their goals, and we are excited to see them represent our club at the state level competition at Gillette Stadium on May 13th as they continue their important journey to advocate for youth and for those whose voices are often unheard.”
Deveau’s passions include art and advocacy. Deveau is currently serving as president of the Keystone Club, the Club’s leadership service group for teens; founder and president of the Club’s Gender Sexuality Alliance Club; and as a student advocate as part of the Club’s “Students Speak” program, which pairs teens with a student from Harvard Law School for mentorship where teens learn how to effectively advocate within a school setting. Deveau is also described as a talented artist who works as an employee of the Club as the digital arts mentor and has ambitions of studying art and design in college after graduating from Haverhill High School.
“Justice is the embodiment of growth, resilience, drive, and purpose. Their ability to reflect deeply, speak with conviction, and rise above their challenges shows not just who they are but who they are becoming. Justice reminds us all that no matter where you start, you can be somebody, advocate for what you believe in, and inspire others to believe in themselves too,” said Boys & Girls Club board President Thea Doherty.
Youth of the Year is a national program by Boys and Girls Club of America. Every year, each Club around the country selects one member to compete amongst other Youths of the Year for their chance to be named the National Youth of the Year and receive a $50,000 college scholarship.