RNH names teen of the year

Argina Hossain first heard of the Riverdale Neighborhood House’s (RNH) Teen of the Year award while tutoring elementary students at the community center. At the time, she was a sophomore at the David A. Stein Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (M.S./H.S. 141).

“I said, ‘I wish I could be that.’ And now, I am,” Argina, now a senior, said with a laugh as she accepted the award at RNH’s new teen center on Jan. 29. 

Each year, RNH presents the Celia and David A. Stein Award to a member of its youth intern program who has demonstrated exemplary service to the community. 

Since her sophomore year, Argina, 17, has tutored math and English at RNH, providing homework help for some of the center’s younger attendees. 

RNH Board President Josephine Perrella described Argina as a “great young woman.” 

“[She] has done incredible work here,” she said, “and always because she wants to.”

As part of the award, the RKA student will receive a scholarship grant of $250 per semester for four semesters of college. 

Right now, she is nervously awaiting responses to her college applications. She hopes to study biochemistry at her top choice, New York University, after which she plans to become a doctor. 

“I actually never thought I would get this,” she said after the award ceremony. “I really grew as a person working here.” 

One of the best parts of her time at RNH has been getting to know the younger students, Argina said.

“When they see you outside, they’re like, hey, I know you! And I’m like, I know you too,’” said. 

Though she is excited for college, she said she will miss both RKA and RNH once she starts her next journey. 

“I feel like working here has opened a lot of doors,” she said. “It’s definitely a great place to come.”