The Youth of the Year Program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program for Club members. This program promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The Youth of the Year Program is a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities.

The winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserves Bud Rogers Youth of the Year Competition will receive a $1,000 college scholarship along with advancing to the State of Ohio Competition. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and compete on 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 in the Oval Office.

Contestants
Modibo Diarra
Seleke Korleh

Judge's Panel
Stan Austin, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Michelle Campbell, LeBron Family Foundation
Candace Campbell Jackson, University of Akron
Dorothy Jackson, Advocate and Retired, Deputy Mayor, City of Akron
Bud Rogers, B.W. Rogers Co.
Chris Nolan, Perantinides & Nolan.