HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson will host the annual Youth of the Year banquet Dec. 5 at the Boys and Girls Club at 600 W. 2nd.
Four finalists will compete for the title of 2020 Hutchinson Youth of the Year. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive. The winner will advance to the statewide competition.
The candidates this year are Catelyn Washington, Jenna Lightsey, D’Naeya Gray and Sadye Patterson. Thanks to Heartland Credit Union, each runner-up will receive a $400 scholarship. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
CATELYN WASHINGTON: Catelyn is a junior at Hutchinson High School and has been a club member for 11 years. Her personal brand is caring for all things big and small. As a Vision Leader at the club, she loves being a role model for members. Catelyn is active in Communities That Care, her church and helps at the animal shelter.
JENNA LIGHTSEY: Jenna is a senior at Hutchinson High School. She has been a club member for 11 years and is a Vision Leader. She has a spirit of service: she is currently studying for her CNA and CMA licenses and plans to become an elementary school teacher. Jenna believes everyone should have the chance to be successful and happy.
D’NAEYA GRAY: D’Naeya is a senior at Buhler High School. She has been a club member for 13 years. She is the Keystone Club president and volunteered more than 200 hours in the last year. She plans to become an elementary school counselor. D’Naeya believes the club is where strangers become family.
SADYE PATTERSON: Sadye is a sophomore at Hutchinson High School and has been a club member since kindergarten. She is a Vision Leader for the club, a Student Council member and leads a small group at her church. She believes the Boys and Girls Club has a lot to offer and hopes to share it with others.
“The Youth of the Year competition is our premiere event of the year,” Chief Professional Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs Skip Wilson said. “The young people who participate are outstanding club members and role models. Each one is a leader and a mentor. Hearing them share their club experiences is the highlight of my year.”
Guests may RSVP for this free event at bgchutch.com. Youth of the Year will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. The night will feature a live auction and raffle. Donors need not be present to win the raffle. The Hutchinson Boys and Girls Club is one of more than 4,000 clubs located across the country serving 4.1 million youth. The Hutchinson club has nearly 1,000 members each year and provides programs in the areas of education and career; character and leadership; health and life skills; the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.