In Northwest Colorado we select one Youth of the Year from a pool of nominees to represent the success of the club aligning with our mission.  We are looking for a club member who is realizing their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens with the help of the BGCNWC.  This year we have 8 outstanding Youth of the Year nominees, each attended the Club as a child and worked at the Club for 2 – 4 years.  You can watch the 2023 event and their speeches on the link below.  

On Tuesday February 13th, 6pm, at CMC;s Allbright Auditorium the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado will host the Youth of the Year event.  At the event you will hear from moving speeches from all the nominees about how the Club has helped them grow, an obstacle they have overcome, their future plans and who they are.  The event will also feature a state of the Club update from our executive director Dana Duran, appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages.  If you would like to attend please contact Kelly Landers, 970-871-3162, klanders@bgcnwc.org

All 8 nominees will received scholarships to be used for furthering their education. 

This scholarship is vital to their futures. 

2024 Youth of the Year Scholarship Fund
The Youth of the Year 2024 Program Recording

Sam

Steamboat Springs High School Senior
Joined Club: 1st Grade
When I was little, I loved attending the Club, running around the gym, and playing games with my friends. I started working at the Club because I wanted it to look good on my college applications; however, after a while, it became more, and I fell in love with my job and the Club. It has been great watching the kids grow over the years. I enjoy being a role model for the kids and connecting with them. The Club has helped me reflect on myself and be the best person I can be inside and outside the Club. I learned to be more self-aware and reflect on my actions to be my best. The Club is an innocent place where I can have positive relationships with the kids and staff. I plan to go to college and study marine biology or law.

Jordis

Moffat County High School Senior
Joined Club: Kindergarten
When I came to the Club as a child, I remember the great staff. I came with my brother, and both of us have great memories of playing with the parachute and carpet ball. The Club was a positive place for us. I started working at the Club with hopes of positively impacting the kids like the staff had on me when I came. The Club has helped me understand that children come from all different circumstances. The Club has taught me empathy and understanding. When I was young, I felt unnoticed. The Club helped me heal from that, and now I help other children feel noticed. In the future, I plan to attend college and study psychology.

Jorin

Steamboat Springs High School Senior
Joined Club: 1st Grade
I have always loved working with kids; I love helping people. My favorite part of working for the Club is that it is like a family. We all depend on and trust each other. The Club has helped me with my mental health and any struggles that I have had. The Club helped me get out of my shell, put myself out there, and be open to trying new things. I have learned to be myself, live my life as I want, and surround myself with people who encourage and support me. My plans include getting my associate degree in arts and EMT certification.

Myla

Moffat County High School Senior
Joined Club: 1st Grade
I first came to the Club because my Aunt worked there. Working at the Club has made me more outgoing and compassionate. At the Club, listening to each child and giving them attention is essential; that’s all some Club members need to be happy. It is nice seeing kids who are having a bad day come talk to you, and you can make their day better. When I started working at the Club, I was shy; I would not talk to anyone. With the mentorship I have found at the Club, I have found my voice. I am usually one of the first to speak and share with the kids. In the future, I plan to go to college and study economics.

Nancy

Moffat County High School Senior
Joined Club: 7th Grade
When I was 12, I moved to the United States, and shortly after, I started coming to the Club. Once I was old enough, I volunteered. As soon as I turned 15, I became a staff member. I love to see all the different perspectives on life the children demonstrate. The Club has helped me gain confidence and open up more. When I first came here, I did not speak English and felt left out. I found the adult staff would be there for me no matter what, which helped me feel like I was a part of something. I want to go to the Franciscan University of Steubenville and study social work. I want to go into counseling for families since I have seen so many children and families at the Club struggle. I want to help parents love and be good parents.  

Lelle

Steamboat Springs High School Junior
Joined Club: 3rd Grade
The Mary Brown Teen Center was one of the most unique places to me. I went for 6th and 7th grade; I loved my time there and the fun field trips. When I turned 15, I came to work at the Club. I love working with the little kids; they are funny and cheerful. When I first started, I struggled with how many children were in the Club. The staff taught me how to keep them safe and work with all the noise in the Club. Since working at the Club, I have developed more patience and am more comfortable in loud settings. In the future, I plan to get my associate’s from Colorado Mountain College, move back to Chicago, experience new things and diverse cultures, and become a teacher.

Molly

Steamboat Springs High School Junior
Joined Club: Kindergarten
I started working in the Club 2 years ago because my brother Nick worked at the Club and would always talk about how great it made him feel. I genuinely love working with the kids and creating strong relationships with them. I work hard every day to help all the kids be friends with all. The Club has helped me come out of my shell and helped me make friends. As a part of the Keystone Club, I have done a lot of volunteer work, and I see the difference our service work makes in the community. In the future I plan to attend college in Colorado and become a pediatrician.

Eme

Steamboat Springs High School Junior
Joined Club: 1st Grade
I remember being super scared on my first day but ended up having a lot of fun. I love that the Club is such a community and that the staff and kids all know me. I feel safe at the Club and strive to help kids feel safe. I make connections with all the kids so they feel welcome. Through my work at the Club, I have found that I want to work with children for the rest of my life. At the Club, I see a lot of what happens and the impact the Club has; I want to make an impact as I grow. I plan to obtain my CNA in the next year, then go to nursing school, and in the long term, go into hospital administration. 

Whatever It Takes To Build Great Futures.