Congratulations, Wendy! Our 2022 Organizational Youth of the Year!
"Imagine yourself in a neighborhood where drive-bys, robberies, murders, and drug dealings have become normalized... I have lived in this neighborhood my whole life."
Wendy found not only safety at the Club when she started attending three years ago, but a place she could learn and grow, and be herself.
"The Club has turned into my second home. Knowing that when I am having a bad day in general, I know I can come here and someone will be willing to help me and listen to what I have to say."
Through meaningful relationships with Club Staff, and her participation in Club programs like Keystone Club, Wendy has grown into an optimistic and passionate youth leader. She now wants to use her voice to inspire and help others.
"Giving back to our community and helping others is something that I have always wanted to do growing up but I did not have the courage to do so or the opportunities. These opportunities that the Club offers is why I love the Club."
Thank you to our Youth of the Year Program Sponsor!
Watch a video of Wendy delivering her speech at the 2022 State Youth of the Year event.
Meet our 2022 Finalists
Watch our 2022 Youth of the Year Celebration
Congratulations, Yvette! Our Jr. Youth of the Year!
“What the Boys & Girls Club means to me is a safe place where I can be free and grow to my fullest potential."
Congratulations to our 2022 organizational Jr. Youth of the Year, Yvette from our Pasco Clubhouse! Yvette (pictured left) has been a Club member for seven years! She participates in several leadership, academic success, and workforce readiness programs, including Keystone Club, Torch Club, Money Matters, and Career Launch.
And congratulations to our Jr. Youth of the Year finalists, Nay from our Kennewick Club and Roxy from our Prosser Club!
Congratulations, Kate! Our Elementary Youth of the Year!
Meet Kate, our 2022 Elementary Youth of the Year! Kate, from our Orchard Elementary School Site, was chosen to represent our organization as Elementary Youth of the Year out of 21 outstanding applicants.
Kate is a fourth grader who has been coming to Clubs since 2018. Staff say she has been a bright light at the Club from the moment she arrived. She's kind to everyone, always has a smile to share, and she always does her best to make sure everyone feels included.
When she grows up, Kate wants to be an animal rescuer or a math teacher
What is Youth of the Year?
Youth of the Year is America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events.
National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports. Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey.
A Shopping Trip To Remember
Each of our three finalists received $500 from HMIS to purchase formal clothing so they could look and dress their best as they participate in this premier leadership program for Club teens.