Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City Names 2026 Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year
- scleaver91
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Syaire B. and Alison M. recognized for leadership, service, and academic excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Sharon Cleaver| scleaver@helpkckids.org (816) 462-0136
Kansas City, MO – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City (BGCGKC) is proud to announce Syaire B. as the 2026 Youth of the Year and Alison M. as the 2026 Junior Youth of the Year. Selected from a competitive field of outstanding finalists, these two young leaders exemplify the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and resilience that define the Youth of the Year program.
The Youth of the Year program is the Clubs’ premier leadership recognition initiative, celebrating young people who demonstrate strong character, a commitment to their education, and a desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
Syaire B., a senior at William Chrisman High School, is a nearly five-year member of the 15 and the Mahomies Unit. She maintains a 3.5 GPA and serves as president of the Clubs’ Keystone Club youth leadership program. An active member of HOSA at her school, Syaire is passionate about healthcare and plans to pursue a career in nursing.
As the 2026 Youth of the Year, Syaire will serve as a youth ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and represent the organization at select events and speaking opportunities. She receives a $2,500 educational scholarship from BGCGKC and will advance to compete in the Missouri State Youth of the Year Celebration in April 2026, with the opportunity to earn additional scholarships totaling up to $75,000 as she progresses to the national competition in Washington, D.C.
Alison M., an eighth grader at Nowlin Middle School, was named the 2026 Junior Youth of the Year. A longtime Club member, Alison is known for her creativity, confidence, and welcoming spirit. She is actively involved in Spanish Club, orchestra, soccer, and serves as a manager for school athletics. At the Club, Alison has grown as a leader through the Art Program and has represented her peers at the Missouri State Capitol. She aspires to continue her education and use her voice to advocate for others and create positive change in her community.
“These young leaders represent the very best of what the Youth of the Year program stands for,” said Jason Roth, President & CEO. “Syaire and Alison are not only excelling academically, but they are using their voices, talents, and leadership skills to inspire others. We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see what the future holds.”
Both honorees were celebrated during the 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration, where sixteen finalists from across the Greater Kansas City area shared their personal stories and leadership journeys.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program or Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, visit helpkckids.org.
About Youth of the Year
Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, honoring the outstanding achievements of Club youth. Each year, one extraordinary young person is named National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs youth and a powerful voice for young people nationwide.
Youth of the Year participants embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles, demonstrating the profound impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.
To learn more, visit bgca.org/programs/youth-of-the-year/the-program/.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
For more than 115 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children and teens throughout the Greater Kansas City area. Our goal is to inspire and enable all youth—especially those who need us most—to achieve their full potential as responsible, productive, and caring citizens. Learn more at helpkckids.org.
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