Youth of Year Judges, Boys & Girls Club of Eastern Panhandle leadership, Winner/Family, BGC of America: Marlo Long – Truist, Senior Vice President, Community Development Manager at Truist; Natalie Robinson – Wellpoint WV, Whole Health & Health Equity Director; Loren Farmer – West Virginia Department of Education, Area Coordinator; Stacie Rohn – Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Eastern Panhandle; Sydney B – Youth of Year Winner, Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle; Chiquita Howard – Bostic, Board Member, Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle and Mother of Sydney B; Katie Lee – Boys & Girls Club of America, Director of Organizational Development; Trey Jones – West Virginia State University Foundation, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement. (Photo Provided)

CHARLESTON — Sydney B. from the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle was named the West Virginia State Youth of the Year and was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, along with a $1,000 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Virginia Area Council.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of West Virginia recognized the state’s most inspiring young leaders at the West Virginia State Youth of the Year event on March 21 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston.

The event celebrated the achievements of teens who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, community involvement and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

Sydney B. will go on to compete in the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year competition, with the opportunity to advance to the national level. Additionally, Hadleigh F. from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg was named West Virginia Jr. Youth of the Year, recognizing Hadleigh’s outstanding contributions as an emerging young leader.

“For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored young people who exemplify resilience, ambition, and a commitment to making a difference,” said Dr. Jennifer Bateman, senior vice president of youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Youth of the Year Award Winner, Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, Sydney B. (Photo Provided)

“This year’s winners and finalists represent the best of our Clubs, demonstrating how mentorship, education, and support can empower young people to achieve their full potential.”

The multi-day program provided participants with opportunities to engage in leadership training, networking with state officials, and a formal judging competition. Youth finalists shared their personal journeys, highlighting the impact that Boys & Girls Clubs has had on their lives, and the event was attended by community leaders from across the state.

Wellpoint West Virginia reaffirmed its commitment to youth development by sponsoring this year’s event and it was attended by community leaders from across the state.

“At Wellpoint, we believe that when young people are given the resources and support they need, they can overcome almost any challenges and thrive,” said Natalie Robinson, Whole Health & Health Equity Director at Wellpoint West Virginia. “The Youth of the Year program showcases the incredible resilience and potential of West Virginia’s young leaders, and we are honored to support this inspiring initiative.”

As the newly crowned West Virginia State Youth of the Year, Sydney B. will serve as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth across the state, by taking part in community events and activities, and attending the Midwest Region YOY in Chicago.

Wellpoint WV: Carla Mollahan – Health Promotion Consultant; Barbara Wessels – Planning & Performance Director; Sydney B – Youth of the Year Winner (BGC); Natalie Robinson – Whole Health & Health Equity Director; Amber Nary – Compliance Director; John Canfield – Sr. Government Relations Director. (Photo Provided)

Youth of the Year Contestants (Junior YoY and YoY): Kloe H – Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg; Hadleigh F -Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg (Junior Youth of the Year Winner); Aubree D -Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle; Sydney B - Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle (Youth of the Year Winner); Dajuwan B- John W. Hereford Boys & Girls Club of Huntington. (Photo Provided)