Congratulations to our Overall Youth of the Year:
Sean Abshire from the Lake Helen Club!
More Information about Youth of the Year: Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Since 1947, this program has been supported through the Reader's Digest Foundation.
"The Reader's Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program for more than 60 years," said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader's Digest Foundation. "Since 1947, we have had the great honor of saluting amazing teens for their dedication to their families, Club and community, and for helping them achieve their academic and career goals."
"All Youth of the Year nominees offer proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people," said Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO, BGCA. "We are thankful to the Reader's Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members reach their goals."
Regional winners are awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by President Barack Obama during a ceremony in the Oval Office.
As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader's Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million to BGCA's leadership program, and 61 teens have been selected as the National Youth of the Year.