Menu
Save-the-Date: 2019 Youth of the Year Competition & Dinner
Thursday, March 7, 2019 | 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
About Youth of the Year
The Youth of the Year Award is Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s highest local honor, rewarding leadership, service and academic standing.
Each year, Clubs recognize teen members age 14-18, nominating one exemplary member to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s Youth of the Year.
The competition gives us a rare glimpse into the lives of Chicago youth positively affected by membership at their Club. It is an opportunity to celebrate the success of our members, the efforts of our staff, and the powerful impact of our programs. Before they are nominated to represent their Club as Youth of the Year, candidates spend years dedicating themselves to membership at the club, personal development, and leadership training. Once selected, they take on a rigorous preparation process for the final competition, which will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2019 in the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier.
After securing victories in the city and state-wide contests, Cynthia triumphed over 11 Youth of the Year winners from across the Midwest to take home the coveted title.
Cynthia continued her Youth of the Year journey to the National Youth of the Year contest on September 25, 2018 in Washington D.C. She was 1 of 5 finalists. During the competition, Cynthia gave an impassioned speech about bullying and its impact on her own life journey. Her story is one of determination and strength, and we are so proud of her confidence and advocacy. Cynthia started an anti-bullying campaign at her Club and has since traveled across Chicago to share her story, promote positive peer-to-peer relationships, and inspire youth.
While Malachi H. of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver took home the ultimate honor, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago could not be more proud of Cynthia and all she has accomplished.
Cynthia has been awarded $50,000 in college scholarships during her Youth of the Year journey.
BGCA Midwest YOY Gala on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Chicago. (Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for Boys & Girls Clubs of America)
BGCA Midwest YOY Gala on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Chicago. (Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for Boys & Girls Clubs of America)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2018 National Youth of the Year Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Boys & Girls Clubs of America)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2018 National Youth of the Year Celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 in Washington. (Kevin Wolf/AP Images for Boys & Girls Clubs of America)