Jhon Almonte Vidal

Jhon Almonte Vidal, an incredible senior at Nashua High School South, is this year’s PAL Junior of the Year. Jhon’s journey at Nashua PAL’s Youth Safe Haven began at age 10 when his family immigrated to the U.S. His mother, working two and three jobs, found a safe haven for him and his younger brothers at PAL. Jhon’s transformation – from the young boy that had a lot of constructive conversations with PAL staff to the bright, helpful young man he is today is nothing short of inspiring! Jhon’s persistence and the support from his mentor, Zeke, and many PAL staff, helped him become a thriving young leader at PAL.

Over the years, Jhon has grown into a role model at PAL, actively participating in the Young Leaders Group for 3 years, facilitating games for younger PAL members, and even serving as Junior Staff. He recently attended the National PAL Youth Leadership Summit in Charlotte, meeting PAL youth from across the country. Jaela Solis, Youth Safe Haven Program Coordinator and Mentor, says, “Jhon’s transformation from a boy who avoided being seen by the PAL staff (in case we made him follow the rules…) to a confident role model for his younger brothers and peers is truly inspiring. His peers and the littles at PAL have watched him grow! He now greets staff as soon as he walks in, asks if we need help, and communicates when he will be back to see us—a testament to his growth and potential.” Jaela said, “Jhon is going to have an extremely bright future because he has the drive. He feels it – Jhon knows he has potential to reach this bright future, and he wants to show the world. I’m so proud of the young man he’s become.”

Jhon’s commitment to becoming the best person he can be extends beyond PAL— while navigating high school, he’s also exploring the world of real estate and shadowing those in the field. Jhon’s dreams of becoming an entrepreneur demonstrate his drive to build a bright future. Congratulations, Jhon, on being named the 2024 PAL Junior of the Year! Your resilience, leadership, and vision for the future are truly commendable.