2022 Junior Youth of the Year

After 12 weeks of workshops, practice, and Unit Level Competitions, Maliyah R and Salena J. competed at the Organization Level Junior Youth of the Year Competition on March 16th, 2022. Both young ladies did an incredible job sharing their unique Club stories and representing their individual Club units through three essays, a speech, and an interview with judges from the community.

Salena J. (Left) and Maliyah R. (Right) present to judges.

Five volunteer judges from the community were tasked with making the difficult decision of choosing the 2022 Junior Youth of the Year. The judges included Bruce Sawotsky & Jeanne Spencer from The Community and Children's Resource Board, Leslie Wilson of BKD CPAs and Advisors, Jeffry Englert of London Stock Exchange Group, and Mark Prouhet of BKD CPAs and Advisors & Board President of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County. After careful thought and deliberation, the judges named Salena J. as the 2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County Junior Youth of the Year.

From Left to Right: Bruce Sawotsky, Jeanne Spencer, Leslie Wilson, Salena J., Jeffry Englert, Mark Prouhet

Salena is a 13-year-old member of the O'Fallon Unit. She is an outgoing, bubbly, and kind-hearted leader & friend. Salena enjoys participating in choir, volleyball, cheer, & dance at school. We are incredibly proud of Salena, and all of the Junior Youth of the Year participants. Both Salena and Maliyah will be attending our 57th Annual Gala on April 2nd to share their club experience with a speech to over 450 community stakeholders. On April 12-13, Salena and our team will be traveling to Jefferson City to compete for the state title of Junior Youth of the Year and participate in a legislative day of advocacy.

Bottom Right from L to R: Mishkas Alqam O'Fallon Unit Director, Salena J. Junior Youth of the Year, Karen Englert Chief Executive Director

Junior Youth of the Year seeks to develop junior leaders ages 10-13 within the Club environment. Not only does the program recognize the leadership achievements of Club youth, Junior Youth of the Year also cultivates their leadership potential, providing the foundation they need for advanced leadership development, academic excellence, and postsecondary success. Through this program, Club youth become motivated to seek leadership opportunities and act as responsible citizens and change agents. Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County’s Junior Youth of the Year competition is supported locally by BKD CPAs and Advisors through an annual partnership that supports leadership training opportunities for Club members.

Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County on Facebook, LinkedIn, or BGCSTC.org.

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