Three candidates will give speeches Thursday in front of family, friends and community members, and one will be selected as the 2024 Lawrence Youth of the Year.
Each year, Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence names a Youth of the Year, recognizing one high school student in the program who embodies “leadership service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles,” according to a news release from the organization.
This year’s candidates are Free State High School students Abby Benally, Alex Johnson and La’Ron Williams.
Meet the three candidates:
(All information courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence)
Abby Benally
Abby is a freshman at Free State.
“Abby is the daughter of Peggie and Daniel Benally. She has a sister (Emme) and brother (Blue). Abby’s bright smile and infectious laugh is welcoming to anyone who attends the Center for Great Futures. She does an excellent job of getting involved with her Firebird family, including the marching band, theater and the Pre-Med Club. Her musical talent is undeniable. Abby plays clarinet in the Lawrence Youth Symphony and the John Philip Sousa Junior Honor Band. At the Club, Abby is a dedicated member of the Keystone Club, which focuses on community service. Abby would like to attend Baker University or the University of Kansas to become a nurse.”
• Quote: “Youth of the Year gives me a better chance to explore myself and to give myself and others confidence.”
• What is the best part of growing up in Lawrence?
“Getting to go to Boys & Girls Club! There is also a great sense of community when you grow up in Lawrence.”
• What advice would you give younger kids in Lawrence?
“Always be yourself no matter what.”
Alex Johnson
Alex is a sophomore at Free State High School. He transferred from Lawrence High School this semester.
“The son of Angie and Eric Johnson, Alex is an excellent presence at the Center for Great Futures. He makes it a personal journey to be inclusive to all of his BGC peers. At LHS, Alex is in choir and theater. He also plays volleyball when he has a bit of extra time. Alex is actively involved in the PRIDE Club with Ms. Sydnie at the Center for Great Futures, where his artistry skills have shined. Alex aspires to become a meteorologist and is currently interested in attending the University of Kansas or the University of Oklahoma.”
• Quote: “It’s important because I love getting my story out. I want to inspire people to be themselves, and that it’s okay to be your true self. It’s also important because I feel like this means I’ve matured and grown.”
• What is the best part of growing up in Lawrence?
“Getting to know people and having a variety of people welcome you with open arms.”
• What advice would you give younger kids in Lawrence?
“To be yourself and to push yourself out of your comfort zone. There’s a lot of fun things out there.”
La’Ron Williams
La’Ron is a senior at Free State. He also competed in the 2023 Youth of the Year competition.
“The son of Contressa Woodson and Jermell Taylor, La’Ron is an everyday face at the Center for Great Futures (CGF). You can find him participating in any number of activities at CGF, but shines brightest as a member of the Ball 4 All basketball league. He is also one of the leaders of Keystone Club, a very active community service group at CGF. La’Ron is a gifted writer and has excellent presence when speaking to a crowd. These skills will serve him well in his collegiate career as he intends to major in Journalism at the University of Kansas. He hopes to become a writer or a public speaker.”
• Quote: “Youth of the Year is important to me because I can be me. I can speak without limitations.”
• What is the best part of growing up in Lawrence?
I like having options everywhere. I never had to be bound to just one thing.
• What advice would you give younger kids in Lawrence?
Embrace the community.
In addition to high school students recognized as part of the Youth of Year program, students in third through eighth grades participate in a Junior Youth of the Year.
Junior Youth of the Year winner Ja’Corey Taylor is a fifth grader at New York Elementary School.
Ja’Corey wanted to participate because of his older brother — La’Ron, the Youth of the Year candidate — and he also owes his inspiration to his parents and two dogs, according to the release.
His favorite part of Boys & Girls Club is competing in sports and seeing his friends.
Abby, Alex, La’Ron and Ja’Corey will share speeches with audience members at the upcoming ceremony before the 2024 Youth of the Year honoree is awarded.
Thursday’s winner will go on to represent Lawrence in the Kansas state competition. State winners then advance to regional competitions and regional winners advance to the National Youth of the Year event.
The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. A reception with free appetizers and beverages is set to begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are free but must be reserved online via a Google form.
Learn more about Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence on its website, bgclk.org.
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
