The Boys and Girls Club is a beneficial organization that provides a place for children and teens to go after school to continue with their education and build relationships with other adolescents and adults. A special award is given by the Boys and Girls Club each year, called the Youth of the Year Award.
This year, the Carbon Boys and Girls Club has deemed local teen Fawn Powell as their Youth of the Year.
Powell is 16 years old and a sophomore student at Carbon High School. She has been active in the Boys and Girls Club from the time that she was in 7th grade. Powell is now eligible to be considered for the award at the state level. She is also eligible for the possibility of being recognized nationally by BGCA.
According to BGCA.org, since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys and Girls Club of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. “Club members who earn the youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys and Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.”
Local clubs recognize members that are between the ages of 14 to 18 as Youth of the Month winners. A Youth of The Year is also selected who then participates in state competitions. State winners receive scholarships of $5,000 and advance to regionals. Winners of the regional chapter are given scholarships for $10,000 in addition to their state scholarship. This is renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year competition for a chance at an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable up to $100,000 for four years. The National Youth of the Year represents all Boys & Girls Club youth.