Hey everyone, I am Macie Lahay, the 2023 Northwest Colorado Youth of the Year!
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about my journey as the BGC Youth of the Year and how it’s changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. The Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of Northwest Colorado has been like a second home to me, a place where my dreams have been encouraged and where I’ve found a community that truly cares.
While at the BGC, I remember watching the Youth of the Year nominees take the stage. The year before I competed, I saw them preparing for their speeches with so much dedication. It was inspiring to watch them practice and deliver their speeches, knowing how much effort they had put in. Seeing their hard work pay off made me even more excited to one day be in their place and experience that same sense of accomplishment. The excitement and pride of being recognized as Youth of the Year were goals I set my sights on.
When it was time for my first competition, I was beyond nervous. Standing up and speaking in front of an audience felt overwhelming, especially since I had never done anything like this before. My desire to set an excellent example for the Boys & Girls Club kids kept me going. I wanted them to look up to me like I admired the previous nominees. Although I didn’t win the Youth of the Year title that first year, being a nominee was still incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t have been more grateful.
I vividly remember one moment when Kelly Landers gathered me and the other nominees for a surprise. We were initially told we would receive a $3,000 scholarship for participating, but the surprise was even more significant. Kelly revealed that we were each being awarded $6,000 instead. I was on the verge of tears; I couldn’t believe the generosity of our community. It was a moment that truly changed my life, and I felt overwhelmed by the kindness and support we received.
When I tried again the following year, everything changed. Thanks to all the hard work and support I had received, I felt more prepared and even more confident. Winning the Youth of the Year award was a massive milestone for me, but the experience didn’t stop there. I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Denver and meet other amazing teens who had their own inspiring stories. Listening to them and sharing my own story was eye-opening. It made me realize just how diverse and powerful our experiences can be.
A big shoutout goes to my mentor, Liz Wood. Her guidance and encouragement were crucial throughout this journey. She helped me navigate the competition and provided
support beyond just the formalities. Our connection grew stronger as we worked together, and I’m so grateful for her belief in me.
One of the most significant impacts of winning the Youth of the Year award has been the scholarship. Right now, I’m working through a prerequisite program for nursing school, which is a big step toward my career goals. The scholarship has taken a huge weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my studies without the constant worry about how to pay for everything. This financial support has allowed me to dive into my education fully and explore my interests without needing to juggle a full-time job.
The Youth of the Year award and the scholarship have made a world of difference in my life. Looking back, I’m incredibly thankful for everything the BGC has provided. It’s more than just an organization; it’s a community that has shaped my past and continues to guide my future. The BGC truly feels like home to me. I’m excited for what the future holds and forever grateful to the BGC for being such a vital part of my journey! 