On Wednesday, March 8th, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids held their highly anticipated annual Youth of the Year Luncheon, presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union, at the Steil Club. The event was a celebration of our community’s most inspiring teens and their remarkable journeys.

This year’s candidates, Ana Vance, Antonia Smith, and Earnest Robertson, all showcased exceptional leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Earnest Robertson was awarded the Youth of the Year 2023 title and will serve as an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids at the state competition.

The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America premier leadership and recognition program for teens, shining a light on the perseverance, dedication, and determination of outstanding young people. The nominees truly embody the voice and spirit of hope, inspiring all kids to lead, succeed, and inspire.

The determination, perseverance, and dedication displayed by these young people is a testament to the incredible potential of the youth in our community. We congratulate all the nominees and wish Earnest Robertson the best of luck in the State competition.

The event was attended by over 150 people. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we raised an impressive $40,410, which will go directly towards programming and other needs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. This continued support is crucial to providing a safe and welcoming environment for kids in our community, and helping inspiring the next generation of leaders.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors who made the Youth of the Year Luncheon possible, especially our presenting sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union. Their unwavering support and commitment to our mission have allowed us to continue serving the young people in our community and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Your support has enabled us to recognize the outstanding achievements of our Youth of the Year nominees and make a positive impact in the lives of young people in our community.

Thank you once again for your invaluable support.

Finally, we would also like to thank and acknowledge our generous sponsors for their contributions to making this event possible:

• Lake Michigan Credit Union – Presenting Sponsor
• Eileen DeVries Family Foundation – Matching Gift Sponsor
• Warner Norcross & Judd – Table Sponsor
• Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
• Posh Petals
• Alpine Events

Wednesday, March 8^th, 2023 

Registration: 11:30am 

Luncheon: 12:00 – 1:00pm 

235 Straight Ave. NW

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its annual Youth of the Year luncheon on Wednesday, March 8^th, 2023. The event, which recognizes the achievements of inspiring teens in the community, will take place at the Steil Club.  

Youth of the Year is America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens, honoring young people who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. The program aims to honor and celebrate our community’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of extraordinary leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.  

The candidates for this year’s Youth of the Year are Antonia Smith, Earnest Robertson III, and Ana Vance. Each of these exceptional young members of the Club embody the values and spirit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, and they are all shining examples of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.  

At the event, the Youth winner will be selected by a panel of judges and will serve as ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids at the state competition. This is a wonderful opportunity for these young people to highlight their talents and achievements and inspire others. The chosen youth will be an outstanding role model for other Club members, and their story will be a testament to the incredible potential of young people in our community.  

The luncheon will begin registration at 11:30am, followed by the main event from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. The event will highlight the incredible potential of young people in our community and demonstrate the power of the Youth of the Year program to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders.  

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids would like to extend our sincere thanks to our generous event sponsors, including our Presenting Sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union; Matching Gift Sponsor, Eileen DeVries Family Foundation; and Sponsor, Warner Norcross & Judd.  

Registration for this event is free, but we kindly ask that you consider donating to support our mission. Registration is required to attend. To register, visit: http://bgcgrandrapids.org/yoy   

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and positive environment for young people to grow and develop. Our Clubs offer a wide range of programs and activities designed to help young people succeed in school, develop leadership skills, and build healthy relationships. We are dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of leaders.  

Our mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as responsible citizens through education, recreation, and positive community experiences in partnership with the Grand Rapids Police Department. 

Our vision is to provide a world class Camp and Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. 

Community is a crucial aspect of human nature. It is the foundation of social connections, support systems, and a feeling of belonging. Community is the thread that brings people together. It gives us a sense of identity and trust. It is a powerful tool for social transformation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids is a testament to this fact.  

Studies have found that people who are socially linked to their communities are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who are not. Children who grow up in close-knit communities are more likely to have better academic success and overall well-being. It has been proven that social ties can help reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. At the Boys & Girls Club, staff are equipped to identify and connect children with mental health services, especially after the pandemic, where depression and suicide rates rose among children. 

More than just an after-school program, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids provides a second home for kids, serving as a safe haven for children who need it most. The Club creates a solid foundation for kids by providing positive role models and encouraging them to get involved in activities like sports, art, and team building, helping them gain confidence and resilience. Our organization truly embodies the importance of community. The Clubs’ programs and services instill pride and belonging to its members, which leads to improved outcomes for the community. 

Communities can provide a perception of stability and safety in uncertain times. During crisis or hardship, a support network can make all the difference. It also plays a crucial role in driving social change and transformation. Communities are more likely to act on social and political issues when they feel connected and engaged. This is because communities provide a deeper awareness of collective responsibility, leading to increased involvement in local activities and greater advocacy for critical issues. Collective action leads to greater impact and lasting solutions.  

As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” The staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids serve as mentor figures, working to find what each child is good at and helping them make the most of it. This allows kids to see themselves in a new light, reframing their narrative, and building confidence. For those who become staff, the Club serves as a connection back to their childhood, creating a support system they can always count on.  

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids is committed to changing lives. We offer children a unique perspective and opportunities, giving them hope and a sense of belonging. The approach taken by the Club helps build the kids’ confidence and encourages them to become leaders rather than followers. With staff support, tutoring and mentoring, the club is more than just an after-school program, it is a safe place where children can be kids, have fun, and find success on their own terms.