Casper - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming (BGCCW) is excited to announce the annual Youth of the Year Competition, taking place on September 10th and 11th. This esteemed event will see nine outstanding youth from Central Wyoming vie for the title of BGCCW Youth of the Year and a $7,500 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming Foundation endowed by the late Ruth R. Ellbogen.
The Youth of the Year program, established in 1947, is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program for teen members. It honors young leaders who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and academic achievements. Through this program, teens are empowered to develop crucial skills such as communication, teamwork, and goal-setting, shaping the next generation of leaders.
To qualify for the competition, participants must have been active Club members for at least two years, be at least 14 years old, and exemplify good moral character, academic excellence, and be a good representative of the Club in all that they do. The rigorous selection process includes completing an application, writing an essay, delivering a speech to a panel of judges, and participating in an interview.
This year’s competitors are:
- Alex M. - Junior at Kelly Walsh High School and a 8-year Club Member
- Brooklyn S. - Senior at Kelly Walsh High School and a 11-year Club Member
- Brynn M. - Sophomore at Natrona County High School and 10-year Club Member
- Jase B. - Sophomore at Heathrow Academy and 8-year Club Member
- Derrek K. - Freshman at Kelly Walsh High School and 9-year Club Member
- Gracee G. - Sophomore at Sheridan High School and 5-year Club Member
- Quincy B. - Sophomore at Natrona County High School and 3-year Club Member
- Daniel E. - Freshman at Natrona County High School and 8-year Club Member
- Isabell N. - Senior at Dubois High School and a 11-year Club Member
Vice President of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club, Derek DeBoer, said “At Boys & Girls Clubs, we believe every young person has what it takes to reach their full potential. Our Youth of the Year exemplifies the impact of having a place to belong and someone who believes in you.”
The winner of the Youth of the Year competition will be announced at the 26th Annual Awards and Recognition Breakfast honoring Trudi Holthouse with keynote speaker Jimmy Wayne. The winner will receive a $7,500 scholarship and will move on to the State Youth of the Year competition held in Cheyenne. The runner-up will receive a $3,500 scholarship, and the remaining seven finalists will receive a $500 scholarship.
The 26th Annual Awards and Recognition Breakfast honoring Trudi Holthouse will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Ford Wyoming Center on September 18th, 2024. There is no cost to attend but guests are asked to make a meaningful contribution to support impactful programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. To make a reservation, please visit https://www.bgccw.org/our-events/breakfast24/ or call (307) 235-4079.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, please visit bgccw.org.
