Boys & Girls Club Awards 2022 Youth of the Year and Jr. Youth of the Year

Charlie Janise from Brookings will represent Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains at the South Dakota Youth of the Year competition in March, 2023. Charlie Janise and Finn Bartlett, Junior Youth of the Year winner from Brookings, competed amongst their peers at the Club’s annual competition, on Saturday, December 10.

Youth of the Year (YOY) is a Boys & Girls Club of America program that recognizes and celebrates outstanding youth in each community’s Boys & Girls Club. The program showcases how members have been involved with the Club and how it has impacted them. Participating in the competition takes time and effort, and winning the organization’s Youth of the Year title is the highest honor a Club member can receive.

Along with Charlie, Kasaundra Albee from Brookings participated in the Youth of the Year competition. Alex Nickel from Moody County and Makhia Wilson from Brookings participated in the Jr. Youth of the Year competition alongside Finn.

“Youth of the Year is my favorite program and event at the Club,” said Chelsea Lang, the Executive Director at Boys & Girls Club of Brookings. “Oftentimes we have watched our candidates grow up throughout the years and we can clearly see the impact the Club has made on their lives.”

Club staff have watched Charlie grow over the years, and are so proud of the leadership skills and confidence they have shown. Charlie has been attending the Club for 4 years and gives the Club credit for building their confidence enough to join the school debate team, which has become one of their favorite things about school! They appreciate the safe space the Club has been for them to learn more about themselves, dabble in their art interests (specifically drawing portraits), and share their chaotic and energetic personality with other Club members and staff around the fast-paced card game, Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza. After moving around a lot when they were young, Charlie was happy to find a place like the Club where they could connect with peers and friends outside of school and get to know people on a deeper level.

“With all of the changes in my life, the Club has been a consistent support for me … Besides having fun at the Club, the staff are willing to listen to me when I have problems, which makes me feel heard. I appreciate that and know that they will do what is best for me when I am here,” Charlie said in their speech.

For Finn Barlett, the Club has been an outlet in which he can remain involved in his many passions. Finn is in Teen Court Club, participates in Dungeons and Dragons group, is Vice President of Club Council, and is the President for his Middle School Student Council.

As a result of Finn’s involvement in so many activities, he gets to express his leadership and creativity, and help spread happiness to other Club members.

“I have always wanted to be an attorney, and so I greatly appreciate the chance to experience the justice system at such a close degree,” Finn said in his speech. “One specific thing I am looking forward to in Club Council, is that I will have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the Club.”

Engaging with all Club members and being authentically himself are just a couple of the ways in which staff have seen Finn positively impact the Club and the community.

Jaclyn Kyte, our Boys & Girls Club of Yankton Jr. Youth of the Year winner, participated in this year's annual competition at Boys & Girls Club of Yankton on Friday, December 9, with Kiyah Sherman, Miley Wilcox, Xander Fischer, Courtney Johnson, and Rilyn Jackson.Jaclyn is involved in Mindfulness Club, Healthy Lifestyles, and so much more.Over the years, staff have watched Jaclyn grow into the strong, kind, compassionate leader she is today.

"Do you know the feeling when you cuddle up with a warm blanket and it's so comforting? That's the feeling the Club gives me," Jaclyn said in her speech. "Remember to be yourself. You shouldn't have to change for anyone around you. You’re all unique in your own ways and that’s what makes you special."

The Club has played a large part in Jaclyn's journey to loving herself for who she truly is and overcoming the challenges that she has encountered. Jaclyn has flourished over her time at the Club, displaying what it means to be true to yourself.