Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado Names 2024 Youth of the Year Winners

ARTICLE | The Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado announced the winners of the annual Colorado Youth of the Year Competition held on April 16 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Nashara from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver was named the Traditional Club winner, and Summer from RP Lee Youth Center at the Peterson Space Force Base was named winner from the military Clubs. These youth competed with 12 other finalists nominated from Boys & Girls Clubs statewide.

The winners were announced after two days of interviews with judges, speeches, and a review of the work these finalists have done in their Clubs, schools and community. Nashara, a 12-year Club member, has held leadership roles for multiple youth and community programs. Summer, also a 12-year Club member, is known for fostering positive relationships within the Club community.

Kaycee Headrick, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado, praised the winners in her remarks at the awards breakfast. “Nashara and Summer exemplify the values of leadership and service that are at the core of our organization. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring.”

One of the event’s keynote speakers, Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was also bestowed the 2024 Champion for Youth Award for his advocacy on behalf of Colorado youth. AG Weiser praised the finalists for being dedicated to making their communities stronger and highlighted some of the important steps being made to support the mental health of Colorado youth.

Attendees at the Youth of the Year ceremony also heard from two respected alumni, including Malachi Haynes, who won the statewide award in 2018 before going on to win the national award, and Jodi Millerbernd, who has gone on to achieve significant leadership positions in business.

Headrick also thanked the judges for this year’s competition as well as the sponsors who supported the event, including title sponsor Credit Union of Colorado. “We could not do the work we do for youth across Colorado without the support of our public and private partners.”