By Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Thursday, December 5th the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson will host its annual Youth of the Year Banquet. Four finalists will compete for the title of 2025 Hutchinson Youth of the Year. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The winner will advance to the statewide competition.
The candidates this year include Gabriel Marcum, Taysha Rideaux, Graciela Medina, and Camrynn Harris. Thanks to Heartland Credit Union each runner-up will receive a $500 scholarship and the winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
GABRIEL MARCUM
Gabriel is a freshman at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 4 years. At school and in the community, Gabriel is involved in DECA, Rise Up Reno, Student Council, and the Youth Advisory Board for the Hutchinson Public Library.
Core Values: Innovation | Empowerment
The leadership trait he is most proud of is being an advocate. “I believe that everyone deserves to have someone who is willing to stand up for them, support them, and fight for them.”
TAYSHA RIDEAUX
Taysha is a senior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 11 years. Taysha is active in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and athletic training at school.
Core Values: Innovation | Honesty
Taysha is proud to be an effective listener. “As a Vision Leader you have to be willing to actively listen to what they have to say no matter what it is.”
GRACIELA MEDINA
Graciela is a junior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 12 years. She is active in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Junior Leaders, soccer, and Scouts.
Core Values: Diversity | Leadership
Graciela is proud to motivate others. “I believe people work harder and better when they know they have someone there they can count on.”
CAMRYNN HARRIS
Camrynn is a junior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 12 years. Camrynn is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, football, and track at school.
Core Values: Respect | Leadership
Camrynn is proud to be a mentor. “I have fun doing it but showing and guiding someone else in that direction feels even better to show that I am making an impact.”
“Each day, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson provides opportunities and experiences for local kids and teens to thrive,” said Lance Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “Having a place to belong and someone who believes in you can have a powerful impact. Our 2025 Youth of the Year will be a shining example of this and will exemplify what it means to be a Club kid.”
Guests may RSVP for this free event at bgchutch.com. Youth of the Year will be held at the 1861 Club at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 5th. The night will feature a live auction and raffle to help fund upgrades to the playground, backcourt, and field at the Shadduck Park site.
The Hutchinson Boys & Girls Club is one of over 5,000 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. Each Club is locally funded, and is dependent upon the generosity of the community it serves.