New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF-Hicksville) honored and congratulated Ada Avila on being named the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for 2007.

"Ada is a great example of the positive influence the Boys and Girls Clubs have on our community and the youth they serve," said Walker. "I want to congratulate her and wish her success in all her future endeavors."

A Hicksville High School senior, Avila has been a member of the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club since 2001. She has contributed to helping the younger children at the club by tutoring three girls and serving as a youth member on the board of directors, helping to plan and implement youth activities.

Avila, whose younger sister has autism, has been an active volunteer helping to teach motor development, reading and life skills to children affected by autism. She plans to attend college in the fall, on an academic scholarship, where she will study more about autism in the hope of one day finding a cure for the disease.

The Youth of the Year is a yearlong character and leadership development program, which promotes and celebrates young people's service to Boys and Girls Clubs, community and family. They also take into considerations, academic performance, spiritual values, life goals, poise and public speaking ability.