Youth of the Year winner to vie for state title and college scholarships.

Sponsored by Landerholm, P.S.

Vancouver, WA (Feb. 8, 2024) – Each year, Boys & Girls Club organizations across the country choose one teen to represent their Club as Youth of the Year (YoY). The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. The YoY program locally honors the most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures.  

“Being named Youth of the Year is the highest form of recognition a Boys & Girls Club member can receive,” said Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, Francisco Bueno. “All of our teen participants deserve it - they show up and make their community, inside and outside of Club, better every day.” 

At Clark College on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 5:30 PM, prominent community members, including Clark College Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Michele Cruse, and Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, will judge the three nominees, ages sixteen and seventeen years old, on a number of assignments. Assignments include a variety of essays, resume building, public speaking and panel interviews. Nominees are dedicated to leadership and community service and are selected five months in advance to prepare for the program.

Fort Vancouver High School Senior, Angel A. said, “My experience doing Youth of the Year so far has been exciting and also challenging. I am learning so much and am proud of the growth I’ve experienced so far.”

The winning Club member will advance to Washington’s state YoY, followed by a regional program. Both YoY program nominees are eligible to win college scholarship funds.  The culmination of those events ends with the chance at the title of National Youth of the Year. The national winner receives a $50,000 academic scholarship.

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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

Incorporated in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington seeks to provide a positive environment, quality programs, and lifelong learning skills for all school age youth in Vancouver and its surrounding areas, with special concern for those who need us most.  To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington visit mybgc.org