In early June, Kurt C. Jr. of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and the 2025 Washington State Youth of the Year, headed to Los Angeles for the Pacific Region Youth of the Year event. Beforehand, Kurt and his mentor Latasha took in the sights of LA, including Universal Studios, the Santa Monica Pier, and Hollywood Boulevard. Kurt was able to connect with the other outstanding youth running for the Pacific Region Youth of the Year title and even got to hang out with a NBA legend A.C. Green.
Although Kurt was not selected to compete at the National level, he was overjoyed for those who were.
Kurt has done so much for his community and the Club. As far as speaking engagements, Kurt has presented at the Lacey Rotary, the Olympia Rotary, the City of Lacey – Council, and several Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County fundraising events.
Kurt was the vice president of the Black Student Union, part of the National Honor Society, and received the highest honors when graduating from North Thurston High School. He participated in the Running Start program, where high schoolers can take college courses while simultaneously working towards their high school diploma. The ultimate goal of the Running Start program is to graduate high school with an associate’s degree. That’s exactly what Kurt did, graduating from South Puget Sound Community College with high honors and on the Presidents List. Kurt’s next stop is to pursue a bachelor’s in education.
When asked about the Youth of the Year program, Kurt said, “I feel accomplished and proud of all I’ve achieved as 2025 WA State Youth of the Year. The connections I’ve made and the powerful stories I’ve heard continue to inspire me. Sharing my story reminds me that I am a guiding light for others; just as they’ve been for me.”
When reflecting on his experience at the Pacific Region event, Kurt had this to say, “Participating in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year Pacific Region competition has been a powerful part of my Youth of the Year journey. It pushed me to grow as a leader and allowed me to build meaningful connections with other inspiring teens from across the region. I’m grateful for the experience and want to send a big congratulations to Elda from San Francisco–wishing you all the best!” Elda was the 2025 winner of the Pacific Region Youth of the Year program.
We’re so proud of Kurt for all his hard work and for representing Washington so well. We wish him the very best and know he will continue to shine!
