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Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington State

Enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens

2021 WASHINGTON STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR

SPONSORED BY

About WA State Youth of the Year 2021

Each year, Boys & Girls Club organizations across the country choose one teen to represent their Club as Youth of the Year. This distinction is awarded to Club members who demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to healthy living, good character and leadership, and extraordinary service to their Club and community.

On March 26, following virtual interviews with our judges, Alizabeth Ashton from Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County was named Washington State Youth of the Year 2021, and Ethan Ashford from BGCA-affiliated Youth Center on Joint Base Lewis McChord was recognized as Washington State Military Youth of the Year 2021. These Club members will both receive a $2,500 college scholarship and go on to compete at the regional level, with an opportunity to compete nationally for the title of National Youth of the Year. The national winner will receive a $50,000 academic scholarship.

To read a full press release about Alizabeth Ashton, please click here.

To read a full press release about Ethan Ashford, please click here.

  • 2021 WA State Youth of the Year winners

One other finalist was honored with a special recognition – Ella Joseph from Boys & Girls Clubs of King County received a $1,000 “Cooperative Spirit Award” college scholarship from Qualstar Credit Union. Ella demonstrated an impressive commitment to collaborative work and problem solving through her extensive civic and community work.

Ella Joseph, winner of the $1,000 Qualstar Cooperative Spirit scholarship award.

2021 was a year of incredible challenges for our finalists, and we are so proud of them and their supportive Club staff for persevering and competing and celebrating in an-all new virtual format. All finalists received a $500 college scholarship to pursue their future aspirations, thanks to our sponsors!

Here are our 9 finalists from the 2021 cohort!

Top row: L-R, Ethan, Joint Base Lewis McChord; Olivia, BGC of the Lewis Clark Valley; Alizabeth, BGC of Thurston County. Middle row, L-R: Ella, BGC of King County; Azalia, BGC of South Puget Sound; Shelby, BGC of Snohomish County. Bottom row, L-R: Cindy, BGC of Benton and Franklin Counties; Pearle, BGC of the Olympic Peninsula; Alura, BGC of SW Washington.

Support youth scholarships

Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington rely on community support to provide life-changing opportunities for young people. This year, we’re asking community members to invest in great futures by supporting academic scholarships for our honorees.

Please consider making a gift to empower Washington teens!

Donate today

Thank you to our sponsors!

We are so grateful to our corporate partners for their flexibility in supporting our virtual Youth of the Year event. Thank you for your dedication to our young people!

Presenting Sponsor

Mentor Sponsors

Champion Sponsors

Youth Sponsor