Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids hosted the annual Youth of the Year Luncheon on March 19, where the exceptional accomplishments of young members were recognized and celebrated. This event is an embodiment of the organization’s mission, highlighting the resilience, leadership, and potential of the youth who embody the values and spirit of the Boys and Girls Clubs.
But before we heard from the candidates our incredible keynote speaker and COO of the Grand Rapids Gold, Trey Conner, kicked us off. He shared his moving story of what the Boys and Girls Clubs meant to him and the commitment that is needed from the whole community to support a new generation.
The spotlight was on three outstanding youth members who exemplified hard work, perseverance, and leadership within the club and their communities. These remarkable candidates, Elena Wilson, Lai’Yanna Morgan and Cyrus Armstrong, were chosen from among the Club’s hundreds of participants, shared their unique journeys, reflecting on the challenges they’ve faced and the successes they’ve encountered.
Elena is sophomore at Southwest Middle High School Academia Bilingue and a member of the Seidman Club. Elena’s favorite part of the Club is it’s a safe place for kids to be after school. After graduation, Elena plans to go to a historically black college or university (HBCU), like Xavier University in Louisiana, to become a teacher.
Lai’Yanna is a freshman at U Prep and member of the Steil Club. Lai’s favorite part about Club is interacting with the Club members and staff. After graduation, she wants to move to Houston to be part of the music industry.
Cyrus is a junior at Kelloggsville High School and a member of the Seidman Club. Cyrus’ favorite part about clubs are sports and teen events. After graduation, Cyrus’ goal is to build his own business, achieve his dreams and help his community.
The audience erupted when the 2025 Youth of the Year, Cyrus Armstrong, was announced. Congratulations to Cyrus, Lai’Yanna and Elena for their amazing accomplishments!
To hear more from Cyrus himself, watch the post-event interview he did with Fox17.
Sponsors and local business leaders also played a key role in making the luncheon a success. Their ongoing commitment to youth development ensures that more young people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, LMCU and our matching gift sponsor, the Eileen DeVries Family Foundation. Additional sponsors included, i3 Business Solutions, Kraft, Wolverine Builders Group, Warner Norcross + Judd, and Comcast.
The Youth of the Year Luncheon is a powerful reminder that the future of Grand Rapids lies in the hands of its youth. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids are committed to providing the tools, guidance, and opportunities necessary for young people to develop into leaders who will shape the community for years to come.
As the event wrapped up, there was a sense of hope and optimism in the air. With the dedication of organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, the continued support from the community, and the incredible determination of the youth involved, it’s clear that the future of Grand Rapids is bright.
We look forward to seeing the incredible impact these young individuals will have in the years ahead, and we celebrate their achievements today.
If you’re inspired by the Youth of the Year Luncheon and would like to make a difference in the lives of young people in Grand Rapids, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Whether through donating, or supporting local initiatives, your contribution can help create lasting change for youth in our community. Please reach out to Hillary Sawyer hsawyer@bgcgrandrapids.org for more information.
To see photos from the Youth of the Year event, please visit our Facebook page.
