Youth of the Year Program Fosters Strong Leaders
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership program for teens. In addition to recognizing their character and merit, the year-long program prepares teens for college, careers and life by providing personal and professional development at a young age. By the time of graduation, program participants enter the real world with self-confidence, business skills, and valuable experience which ultimately help them succeed as adults.
Keep reading to learn more about Youth of the Year at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond and meet this year's participants!
Through the duration of the Youth of the Year program, teens focus on a wide variety of college and career prep activities.
Each week, members receive essay prompts and are tasked with writing about their experiences, goals, and values. The practice of essay writing prepares them for similar essays they may submit with college applications, as well as in school. Using their essays as initial prompts, Club members craft the speech they will present during the competition. Sharing their speech gives each Club member the chance to amplify their voice - boldly sharing their personal story and their advocacy platform.
Members also meet with program partners like Podium RVA and Virginia Management Fellows to learn business basics like interview preparation, appropriate business attire, and proper etiquette. Often these best practices aren’t learned until early adulthood, so by educating teens early, they are more employable and prepared to successfully meet career goals. After learning interview best practices, members participate in mock interviews to help them put their knowledge to the test.
As part of the process, each candidate submits two letters of recommendation as well as their school transcript. The program culminates with the Youth of the Year competition where candidates share their speeches and are interviewed by a panel of judges. The winner receives a scholarship and proceeds to the state level to compete against other Youth of the Year winners. The competition continues throughout the country, with hundreds of impressive teens vying for the national title.
After months of preparation, candidates go before a panel of judges to compete for the prestigious title of Youth of the Year. While the competition is limited to high school juniors and seniors, Club members in 8th-10th grade can participate in Junior Youth of the Year to begin strengthening their skills and progressing towards Youth of the Year.
While there is only one competition winner, the focus of the program isn’t winning. It’s helping youth increase their opportunities and learn to pursue their goals despite all odds.
Learn more about the program, sponsors, scholarships, and competition throughout the nation here.
Meet the Youth of the Year Candidates
A’landa
A’landa is a Senior at Richmond Community High School and has been a Club member since 1st grade. Originally a Southside Club member, A’landa has a lifetime of Club memories that she cherishes including a Keystone Conference in California and getting to visit the White House. To her, the Club has always been a second family. A’landa plans to attend college in the fall to major in social work and dreams of working in adoption social work.
Kemahree
Kemahree is a Senior at Open High School and has been a Club member since 1st grade. Originally a Southside Club member, Kemahree has lots of great memories including an overnight trip through a Club and Boy Scouts program. Kemahree plans to attend college in the fall to major in kinesiology.
Tuchili
Tuchili is a Senior at Armstrong High School and has been a Club member since 6th grade, first at our MLK Club and now at the Teen & Community Center. During his time at the Club, Tuchili has gained self-confidence and stepped outside his comfort zone. Some of Tuchilis’s favorite moments include an entrepreneurial program where he sparked the idea for a lawn care business. Tuchili plans to attend college in the fall to major in nursing or business.
Junior Youth of the Year Participants
Jayden
Jayden is a Freshman at Cristo Rey Richmond High School. He began attending the MLK Club when he was in 6th grade. Jayden is Class President at school and President of the Keystone Club. This year, he went with BGCMR to visit the Capital during National Advocacy Day.
Jaeda
Jaeda is a Sophomore at Maggie Walker Governor’s School. She began attending the Southside Club in 3rd grade and was a Junior Staff member in 2022. Jaeda is known for saying “Home is where BGCMR is”, a quote that inspired a t-shirt design!