Celebrating the 2024 Youth of the Year

Mar 19, 2024 | Blog, Events, Giving

On Wednesday, March 6th, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids held their highly anticipated annual Youth of the Year Luncheon, presented by LMCU, at the Steil Club. The event was a celebration of our community’s most inspiring teens and their remarkable journeys.

This year’s candidates, Charles “Chuck” Bacon, Keiera Johnson, and Samiya Kerney, all showcased exceptional leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Samiya Kerney was awarded the 2024 Youth of the Year 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 event was attended by over 175 people. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we raised an impressive $42,570, 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, LMCU. 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.