What is the Youth of the Year Award?

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone that made our third annual Youth of the Year Awards & Luncheon so special!

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.

Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 o 18 by selecting a Youth of the Year, who ten participates in state competitions. State winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship and advance to regional competitions. Regional winners receive an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year competition for a chance at an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable up to $100,000 over four years. The National Youth of the Year represents all Boys & Girls Club youth. 

Meet Your 2018 Youth of the YeaR 

Our four contestants - Alexis McBride, Kennth Mathews, and Kaylie Ostrander wowed the crowd of over 150 community members in attendance! They each had the opportunity to share their story about what being a part of the Club means to them in their own words. Each contestant won a $250 scholarship from our sponsor SAF Holland and had the opportunity to stand in front of community leaders and be recognized for the incredible teenagers that they are. 

The winner of our 3rd annual Youth of the Year award went to Alexis McBride, 17. She won a $500 scholarship from SAF Holland and we will be able to follow Alexis in her journey to the Regional, State, and possibly National level of the competition in the coming year! 

Alexis is a 17-year- old senior who plans to attend college follow high school graduation in hopes of become a pediatrician or veterinarian. Alexis has been a part of the Teen Club for two years. She’s actively involved with the education program and SNAP-Ed. Alexis enjoys mentoring the younger club members and helping with the pre-teens. She takes pride in the fact that
the pre-teens look up to her for advice. Additional to club programming, she has participated with volunteer projects with the Club Staff and volunteers with projects at her church.