Youth of the Year

The national Youth of the Year program, administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), recognizes one teen Club member from each Club who most exemplifies excellence in the following areas: responsibility to home and family, moral character, community service, scholastic achievement and diversity of school activities, service to Club, ability to plan for the future and set goals, and poise and public speaking. In addition, the judges take into consideration any significant obstacles the youth has overcome.

The nomination process requires two essays from the applicant, along with letters of support and an interview. Each Club sends a winner to their state competition, and those semi-finalists go on to five regional competitions. These five finalists compete for the national honor in Washington, D.C., where the National Youth of the Year is officially installed by the President in a White House ceremony in September. In addition, the winner receives a $10,000 scholarship from The Reader’s Digest Foundation, sponsor of the program since its inception in 1947.

2008 Youth of the Year:

Blue Hill: Maya Scott

Charlestown Club: Hector Kilgoe

Jordan Club: Patricia “Pati” Orellana

South Boston Club: Greer McCormick

Yawkey Club: Jakeen “Keeny” Cobb   

2007 Youth of the Year:

Blue Hill: Cecile Moore

Charlestown Club: Nicole Callahan*

Jordan Club: Emily Caulfield

South Boston Club: Tiffany Baiona

Yawkey Club: Jasmine Mills

2006 Youth of the Year:

Blue Hill: Jamion Brown

Charlestown Club: Caitlin Gallarelli

Jordan Club: Ilan Rodriguez

South Boston Club: Robert Stewart*

Yawkey Club: Jessica Collymore

*BGCB Youth of the Youth