Nick Singh, a recent graduate of Islip High School, attended a Boys & Girls Clubs of America event in Albany as a Long Island Ambassador, competing for a chance to become the organization’s New York State representative in the National Youth of the Year competition. He was one of only 18 teens nominated out of 197,000 applicants.

As a member of the Hicksville Boys & Girls Club since seventh grade, Singh has evolved to a position of leadership, serving as a tutor, peer counselor, fundraiser, community organizer and vice president of the group’s Torch Club.

While at the competition, which was attended by state legislators, he was interviewed by Boys & Girls Clubs judges and had the opportunity to give a speech, where he talked about the many personal and family hardships he faced while growing up.

Although he was not chosen as New York State Youth of the Year, according to Singh, the head judge took him aside and told him that his application had touched their hearts. State Sen. Thomas D. Croci and state assemblymen Al Graf and Michael Montesano were all eager to meet him during the event, at which they discussed topics including politics as well as helping others and working for a baseball foundation.

“I didn’t win, but felt like a winner,” said Singh. “The trip was life-changing, inspirational and motivational, and they treated us like royalty.”

“I had known this kid was special, but that day, I found out that he is truly one of a kind,” said Principal Michael Mosca, upon Singh’s return from Albany. “His determination and perseverance are second to none.”

In keeping with his overall positive mental attitude and embrace of the long view, Singh did not regret attending the competition. “I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason,” he said. “If I’d won, I’d be traveling all the time and wouldn’t get to see my family and friends very much. This opened doors for me and made me realize how far I’d come.”

Singh will be attending Suffolk County Community College this fall. He originally planned to study sports medicine or training, but is now considering youth services or political science, thanks to his growth experiences with the Boys & Girls Club and the Albany conference.

“I’m only 18, and if I don’t give up, great things can happen,” said Singh. “My future really is on track.”