Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County plans to select three finalists for its annual Youth of the Year program on Thursday, Feb. 19, recognizing teens for leadership, character and commitment to their communities.
Eight club members will compete during the event at the organization’s Spruce Street Clubhouse. The Youth of the Year program is the club’s highest honor and serves as a pathway to statewide and national recognition through Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Candidates will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on essays, resumes, letters of recommendation and formal interviews. Each participant will also deliver a speech before an audience of family members and supporters.
Three finalists will advance to the club’s 6th Annual Great Futures Celebration, scheduled for March 5 at 6 p.m. at Cobblestone Creek Country Club. During the event, finalists will present live speeches, and attendees will vote in real time to select one teen to represent Mercer County at the New Jersey Youth of the Year competition later this spring.
Youth of the Year is a national leadership and recognition program that honors teens who demonstrate academic success, leadership ability and service to others. Participants share their personal stories and the role their local club has played in their development.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County operates clubhouses in Trenton and Lawrence and provides after-school programming in Trenton and Ewing school districts, serving approximately 1,500 youths across Mercer County.
More information about the Youth of the Year program and the Great Futures Celebration is available at bgcmercer.org/greatfutures.
Last year’s contestants for Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County.,
