Each new year brings optimism, growth and joy. Especially as we watch our children mature and develop unique hobbies, tackle challenges and become the amazing individuals who will someday change the world. For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC), it also means honoring their 2022 Youth of the Year in a Community Celebration held Friday, February 4.
The Club has been honoring Thurston County youth for nearly 20 years, but the program has evolved since it started in 2003. “The most significant changes to the program came in 2014 when we held our first community celebration in honor of our finalists,” explains BGCTC’s Chief Operating Officer Shellica Trevino. “That same year, SPSCC began partnering with us to provide a two-year tuition grant to the county winner. Our Youth of the Year retreat also began in 2014, in partnership with two other Boys & Girls Club organizations in Washington State. Lastly, in 2018 True Responders began partnering with us to outfit all finalists with professional attire for the big event!”
To be considered for the Youth of the Year, students submit an application and essays, write and deliver a speech and interview with a panel of local judges. “At the branch level they compete with other youth from their Club,” Trevino explains. “Typically, a panel of judges selects a youth through this process. They then move on to the county competition. They attend a weekend long retreat that prepares them for the next stages of the competition. At the retreat they work on their written speech, public speaking, and interview skills. Of course, there are fun activities and plenty of camp food!”
This year’s applicants are between 14 and 18 years of age. Despite differences in age and background, they all share a piece of wisdom, says Trevino. “They have all been able to recognize that we all need others, they know this is a strength and not a weakness and that we are better for it,” she adds.
2022 Youth of the Year Finalists
- Cara, senior at North Thurston High School
- Kaiden, sophomore at Tenino High School
- Sarah, junior at Olympia High School
- Zeke, junior at Rochester High School
- Lilly, 8th Grader at Tumwater Middle School
The student selected to move on to the statewide Youth of the Year competition wins a two-year tuition grant from SPSCC. The four runners up each receive a $1,500 tuition grant from SPSCC as well. All participants receive goodie bags with gifts from local business sponsors.
Last year’s winner, Alizabeth Ashton, went on to compete in the Pacific regional level of competition where she placed second. Thanks to her hard work, Ashton received a $5,000 scholarship from Planet Fitness for her community service efforts, as well as a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Trevino and the BGCTC team are excited for this year’s hard-working kids. “The Youth of the Year program is an important one because it recognizes the valuable contributions teens make in our community. They are resilient and deserve to be honored for their leadership, their success, and their willingness to inspire those around them.”
2022 Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Youth of the Year
2022’s winner Cara Chiokai attends the new Raj Manhas Activity Center (RMAC) branch located next to North Thurston High School where she is a senior. Chiokai also attends Running Start at SPSCC and recently signed on with the National Guard. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend the University of Washington.
“She is very active in her community, volunteering with the Thurston County Food Bank, All Kids Win, and Lacey Parks and Recreation,” says Trevino. “One of her current projects for the Club and community is the creation of a food pantry for those in need. When many teens stopped attending the Club during the pandemic, Cara continued to stay involved and eventually became a staff member.”
More than just weekday childcare, BGCTC works to make students like Chiokai the best they can be. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County focuses on academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles,” says Trevino. “With these outcomes in mind, we run after school programs for youth in grades K-12, summer day camp, as well as before school programs at certain branches. Supportive relationships are at the heart of everything we do.”
To learn more about BGCTC programming, call 360.956.0755, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. They’re also always looking for volunteers or those willing to donate to make futures bright. Every little bit helps put kids on the road to a lifetime of success.
