The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley hosted the highly-anticipated Youth of the Year Competition at its Grants Pass location last weekend.
This signature celebration and competition highlighted the achievements of local youth, showcasing the future leaders of our community.
Three outstanding teens from the local Boys & Girls Clubs -- Gabriel C. from Grants Pass High School, Maximilian F. from Grants Pass High School and Hannah V. from South Middle School -- competed for the esteemed Youth of the Year title.
This year's event featured speeches from all three contestants, with each sharing how their time at the Club shaped them and the life experiences that contributed to their personal growth. A panel of community leaders interviewed the contestants, reviewed their essays and judged their speeches before selecting Maximilian as the 2025 Youth of the Year. He advances to state and possibly regional and national competitions.
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Youth of the Year participants received a post-secondary education scholarship, managed by the Redwood Foundation for Education. Youth of the Year received $4,000 while second place received $1,500 and third place received $500.
The judges also heard from three middle school students -- Emma E. of Cave Junction and Ta'niya S. and Briella H., both of Grants Pass -- who received the Junior Youths of the Year title. The event was sponsored by Rogue Credit Union, a long-time supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Youth of the Year competition.
