Aryiane Hill was once a shy little girl who struggled with reading.
Now, the teen is a beacon of light and leadership who found mentors and her passion through the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
The Atlantic City High School senior’s accomplishments earned her the state club’s Youth of the Year honor at their awards dinner Tuesday evening at Montclair State University.
“This is a huge honor,” Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City CEO Tracey Triniwell told BreakingAC. “This is one of the highest honors you can receive as a club kid.”
Hill was one of 15 nominated by clubs throughout the state for the honor, after being chosen as Atlantic City’s Youth of the Year in March.
Sparkle Prevard was the last local club kid to take the state title in 2014.
“It’s an amazing,amazing testimony to the leadership at club and the work that we do and the trust our families put in us,” Triniwell said.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” Hill said. “The club, the community and the school have been that village for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without everyone.”
Triniwell called Hill “a beam of light.”
“When she comes in the room, the room lights up,” Triniwell said.
“Aryiane Hill exemplifies the very best of Atlantic City High School and our entire school district,” Superintendent Dr. La’Quetta Small said. “Her academic achievements, leadership, service to others and unwavering commitment to her community reflect the character and determination we strive to cultivate in all of our students. We are incredibly proud of Ariyane for earning this prestigious honor and for representing Atlantic City with excellence on the state level.”
Hill was not always the confident leader she has become, Triniwell said.
She started out a shy child, but thrived as she transitioned from middle school to Atlantic City High School.
“In high school, she knew she wanted to be a leader, and learned and grew,” Triniwell said. “She’s been shining ever since. She’s amazing.”
Hill now wants to become a criminal defense attorney, and is set to head to Stockton University where she will major in criminal justice with a minor in Africana studies.
Her academic progress was helped early on by Boys & Girls Club mentor Karen Schwab, a retired teacher and reading specialist who has worked with the members for over a decade.
Hill calls Schwab her Mary Poppins. Schwab refers to Hill as Miss Honey, the beloved teacher from “Matilda.”
Hill recently met Gov. Mikie Sherrill to learn about the state budget process and was present during the governor’s budget address. She is a member of the Atlantic City High School marching band, participates in the school’s Visual Performing Arts program, and is a member of the NJROTC.
“I love to volunteer,” Hill said. “Wherever I go, I like to help. I do a lot. But I don’t really think about it. It’s just something I love to do.”
Atlantic High Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman said she is “ incredibly proud of Aryiane Hill and all that she represents.
“Aryiane is the definition of excellence, leadership, resilience and service,” she said. “She leads with grace, uplifts those around her, and continuously demonstrates what is possible when talent is matched with hard work and heart. Being named the 2026 Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey Youth of the Year is not only a tremendous personal achievement, but a reflection of the bright future ahead of her.”
In addition to the honor of the title, Hill earned $12,500 in scholarship money.
She now will represent the state for the Northeast Region title at the end of June.
