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It’s our favorite time of year, Youth of the Year is April 11th and Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware is brimming with excitement for the main event.
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.
In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. With a grassroots beginning in 1947, Youth of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive leadership development program, which includes:
Youth of the Month – Leadership Recognition Program
Junior Youth of the Year – Leadership Readiness Program, and
Youth of the Year – Leadership Development Program
For 72 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated America’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year the premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for Delaware. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To help those in need. To inspire.
Becoming Delaware Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspirational journey. Each year, one exceptional young person is selected to be Delaware Youth of the Year. Similarly, an outstanding young person from our state’s military base is selected as State Military Youth of the Year. These young people serve as model ambassadors for other Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of Delaware’s young people.
The winners of Delaware Youth of the Year and State Military Youth of the Year will receive a $5,000 scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Delaware Youth of the Year will receive an additional $3,500 in scholarships from Janosik Family Charitable Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.
Six (6) outstanding youth from across Delaware 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 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.
“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 up to 4 years). Six teens, including five regional winners and the National Military Youth of the Year, advance to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year competition where one outstanding young person is selected Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson. The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader, and advocate for the nearly 4 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people. The National Youth of the Year receives a $25,000 scholarship (renewable for up to 4 years) and induction by the President of the United States in the Oval Office.
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).
Through the Youth of the Year program, our young people display their talents and achievements, share their hopes and dreams, and work towards a bright and positive future. Youth of the Year honorees at any level, local, state, regional and national – are shining examples and living proof that GREAT FUTURES START HERE.
Meet the 2019 Youth of the Year Finalists
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
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