INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County was proud to recognize dozens of outstanding youth during this month’s annual Youth of the Year Banquet, held at Indian River State College. The event brought together children and their families from all three clubs to celebrate the successes of the past year.
Awards given ranged from most club spirit, to most athletic, to educational superstar and ended with the prestigious Youth of the Year award.
Being named the Youth of the Year is the highest honor a club member can receive. Club members are judged on their service to home and family; moral character; community service; school leadership and service; academic performance; service to the Boys & Girls Club; life goals; two written essays; and public speaking ability.
Judges this year were Michael Kint, CEO of the United Way of Indian River County; Claudia Jimenez, school board member for district 5; and Cynthia Falardeau, executive director of the Education Foundation.
Finalists included Cody Manning of the Vero Beach Club, Brandy Thomas of the Sebastian Club, and Tamicha Laveus of the Fellsmere Club.
While all three finalists were fantastic, Brandy Thomas was selected as the overall winner. Brandy is a senior at Sebastian River High School and has plans to attend the University of Central Florida and study electrical engineering. She is in the top 16 percent of her graduating class and is a member of the Advanced Academics Honors program. She has volunteered her time extensively at the Boys & Girls Clubs as a junior staff member and will be the first in her family to attend college.
Brandy will now have the opportunity to compete in further competitions. Five regional winners will each receive a $10,000 scholarship and will earn the opportunity to compete at the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.
Michael Kint, CEO of the United Way and long-time judge of the Youth of the Year competition says he is always blown away by the strength of the candidates.
“This year was especially challenging as all of the candidates were truly exceptional,” he said. “Brandy impressed me with her poise and with how articulately she handled the judges’ questions. Personally, I was terrifically impressed with her split focus in the academic and vocational areas. She will very well represent the Indian River Clubs at further competitions.”
You can learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County by visiting them online at www.bgcirc.org or calling them at 772-299-7449. To stay up to date on all Club news and activities, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bgcirc. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is recognized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, its highest ranking, and was awarded the 2013 Agency Excellence Award by the United Way. The organization is proud to be supported by the Children’s Services Advisory Committee and the United Way.
