By Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Thursday, December 7th the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson will host its annual Youth of the Year Banquet. Three finalists will compete for the title of 2024 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 Taysha Rideaux, Camrynn Harris, and Zion Burgess. Thanks to Heartland Credit Union each runner-up will receive a $500 scholarship and the winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
TAYSHA RIDEAUX: Taysha is a junior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 10 years. Taysha is active in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and athletic training at school. Taysha says she wants to impact youth by “showing them that no matter what life has brought to you, that you can still be yourself and that you will be more than what others think of you.”
CAMRYNN HARRIS: Camrynn is a sophomore at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 11 years. Camrynn is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, football, basketball, and track at school. The impact Camrynn wants to make is by setting an example “that you can reach high potential and complete high goals no matter what you are going through.”
ZION BURGESS: Zion is a senior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 6 years. Zion is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Keystone Club, and football at school. Zion says he wants to be the voice of bringing all people together, “this world has fallen apart because of many different beliefs, but I believe that growth can be in process once change happens and once people find happiness in growing together.”
“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 2024 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 Crystal Ballroom at The Burt, 3 W Ave. B, at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 7. The night will feature a live auction and raffle. Over 450 local families rely on the Club for after-school transportation. The money raised at this year’s banquet will allow the Club to purchase a new van.
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.
