PRESS RELEASE: BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DELAWARE TEENS VIE FOR 2019 DELAWARE STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR TI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DELAWARE TEENS VIE FOR 2019 DELAWARE STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR TITLE & SCHOLARSHIP

Six Teens from Across Delaware Receive Opportunity for $5,000 Scholarship & State Title

WILMINGTON, DE, March 20, 2019 – Six (6) outstanding youth have been named 2019 Youth of the Year Finalists. Selected among thousands of outstanding Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware youth, Tyler C. of Seaford, Tiffany G. of Wilmington, Ardavia L. of Newark, Tair R. of Milford, Jai’mere S. of Laurel and Justin W. of Dover will represent their local Boys & Girls Club for the 2019 Delaware State Youth of the Year. 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. Now in its 72nd year, the Youth of the Year program honors Delaware’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Tyler, Tiffany, Ardavia, Tair, Jai’mere and Justin will go on to contend for the Delaware Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Youth of the Year will take place Thursday, April 11, 2019 at The Queen in Wilmington. Tickets available www.bgclubs.org/yoy

“As with every group of Youth of the Year Finalists, we are so proud of these young women and men who represent their Clubs and communities so honorably”, said John Wellons, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. “Having a dedicated program to celebrate teens whose Club experience has empowered them to find their voice and achieve success is what the event on April 11th is all about. Sharing that with the greater community makes for a memorable evening for all involved.”

On April 11, 2019, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware will announce who wins at the state competition; he or she will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2019, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000.

DuPont and M&T Bank, who have both supported Boys & Girls Clubs for more than 25 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to tools they need to build the great futures they imagine, present the 2019 Youth of the Year. Capital One, State Farm and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year and their continued support of Club youth allows for the sponsorship of the next great success story. For a complete list of 2019 Youth of the Year Sponsors visit bgclubs.org/yoy.

An important part of the Youth of the Year process is the Selection Weekend (April 5-6), where judges meet and interview the finalists. Youth of the Year Judges reflect the same high morals and character qualities demanded of Club members. They mirror the diversity of Club participants, in regards to cultural and ethnic make-up, as well as various backgrounds and career paths. Additionally their participation demonstrates to Club youth that volunteers are strongly committed to their development as caring and productive citizens.

The 2019 Judges includes Dr. Eric A. Cheek (Delaware Technical Community College); Alisha Bryson (Wayman Fire Protection); Gregg M. Schmidt (Corteva Agriscience); Nathan Disbro (Amazon); Marisa Slaten (Pepco Holdings); Steven Smith, Jr. (Pepsi Bottling Company); Eric Cline (State Farm); Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski (Delaware Department of Education).

To purchase tickets for Youth of the Year visit www.bgclubs.org/yoy. For more information about the Youth of the Year program, contact Cheryl Rice, CRice@bgclubs.org

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware

For more than 88 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware (bgclubs.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 44 Clubs serve 40,000 children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in Boys & Girls Club-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. To learn more visit bgclubs.org. Follow us social bgclubs.org/facebookbgclubs.org/instagrambgclubs.org/twitter

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