HISTORIC SWEEP: KANSAS CITY TEENS WIN BOTH STATE YOUTH LEADERSHIP TITLES
- scleaver91
- 7 days ago
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Local Club Chapter is first in Missouri history to earn both Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year titles in the same year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Sharon Cleaver| scleaver@helpkckids.org (816) 462-0136
Kansas City, MO – For the first time in program history, one Boys & Girls Club chapter has claimed both the Missouri Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year titles in the same year. Zoei G. has been named the 2025 Missouri Youth of the Year, and Levii M. has earned the 2025 Missouri Junior Youth of the Year, both representing Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
This milestone achievement marks the third consecutive year that the Greater Kansas City Clubs have earned the Missouri Youth of the Year title.
Honoring Leadership, Service, and Excellence
The Youth of the Year title is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s highest honor, celebrating leadership, service, academic success, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Youth of the Year finalists are recognized as role models and ambassadors for Club youth across the country. As the Missouri Youth of the Year, Zoei will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a $1,000 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs Missouri Area Council. She will advance to the Midwest regional competition this summer, with the opportunity to compete at the national level.
Meet Zoei G., Missouri Youth of the Year
Zoei is a sophomore at University Academy and a proud member of the Thornberry Unit, which she has attended since she was five years old. A dedicated sports team manager and talented musician, she plays the baritone/euphonium and is in her third year as the manager for her school’s track team. Zoei’s favorite subject is American Literature, and she enjoys reading, writing poetry, singing, Bible study, and discovering new music.
Zoei finds inspiration in her faith. Her favorite Bible verse, Matthew 13:16, reads: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.”
“We are incredibly proud of Zoei and all the Youth of the Year nominees,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. Zoei will serve as a spokesperson for Club youth across Missouri — a role model for kids and teens in need of someone to admire and emulate.”
Meet Levii M., Missouri Junior Youth of the Year
Levii, an 8th grader at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy, has been a Club member for three years. Known for his leadership, integrity, and positivity, Levii consistently steps up as a role model to his peers. He currently serves as President of Student Council and is a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society.
An honor student and multi-talented young leader, Levii excels academically while pursuing interests in art and athletics. Whether he’s painting, playing soccer, leading student government, or simply sharing a joke to lift spirits, Levii approaches everything with energy and heart.
“We are beyond proud to have such outstanding young leaders representing our Clubs at both the local and state levels,” said Jason Roth, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. “Their dedication, resilience, and passion inspire us all.”
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. They exemplify the profound impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. Through the Youth of the Year program, participants showcase their talents and achievements, share their hopes and dreams, and work toward a bright and positive future.
Zoei will join other state winners at the Midwest regional competition this summer. If selected as Regional Youth of the Year, she will receive a $20,000 scholarship and advance to the national competition in October 2025. The National Youth of the Year receives a $50,000 scholarship and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.
To learn more about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
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 in the Greater Kansas City area. Our goal is clear: to inspire and enable all youth, particularly those who need us most, to achieve their full potential as responsible, productive, and caring citizens. Through impactful programs in education, character development, leadership, and healthy lifestyles, we provide a safe and positive environment where young people can thrive and put their dreams of a Great Future within reach. Learn more at helpkckids.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. More than 5,400 Clubs serve over 3.3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing, and on Native lands throughout the country and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.
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