Five candidates will give speeches Thursday in front of family, friends and community members before one is selected as the 2025 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. Candidates are celebrated for the impacts they’ve had on BGC and share ways BGC has influenced them.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our teens than at Youth of the Year,” CEO Laci Maltbie said in the release. “The candidates have spent many late nights here at the Center for Great Futures writing essays, resumes, cover letters and speeches, all in preparation for this night. I can’t wait to hear their stories. It will be a night to remember!”
Meet the five candidates:
(All information courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence)
Leah Anderson
Leah is a sophomore at Free State and the daughter of Keshia Anderson and Harlan Epps.
“Leah’s love for dance shines in both her school activities and through her church, where she uses her passion to tell a story. Leah is interested in pursuing a career as a doctor or counselor, and is considering attending the University of Kansas. ‘I want to share my story about my problem with cyberbullying to give people a voice,’ Leah said on her motivation for joining Youth of the Year.”
Arabella Gipp
Arabella is a senior at Lawrence High School. She won Kansas Youth of the Year in 2022, becoming the most recent state winner out of BGC of Lawrence. She is the daughter of Jessica Gipp.
“Arabella is an active member of her school’s journalism and video programs, and she also finds time to serve as a leader in the Keystone Club. She plans to attend Johnson County Community College to study Graphic Design and pursue a career in digital media. ‘The Boys & Girls Club is my place and my family,’ Arabella said. ‘Being able to represent them and share the impact the Club has had on my life is something not a lot of people get to do. I am just so grateful to be a part of this program and the Club.’”
Julia Johnson
Julia is a sophomore at Free State and the daughter of Angie and Eric Johnson.
“Julia hopes to pursue a career in criminal investigation at Michigan State University of California State University of Chico. When she’s not attending Club or working on her Youth of the Year materials, she loves to show off her soccer skills on the field. Julia places her focus on improving mental health standards within her community. Julia said, ‘Being a Youth of the Year candidate is important to me because I strive to improve mental health standards.’”
Alex Johnson
Alex is a junior at Free State High School and the son of Angie and Eric Johnson.
“Alex is well-known at the Center for Great Futures (CGF) for his welcoming attitude and leadership. At Free State, Alex participates in Chamber Choir and loves playing volleyball. Alex aspires to become a meteorologist after college, hoping to study at either the University of Kansas or the University of Nebraska. Reflecting on his Youth of the Year journey, Alex said, ‘Being a Youth of the Year candidate is important to me because I can help others around me, and I can make a change with the platform that is given to me.’”
Abby Benally
Abby is a sophomore at Free State and the daughter of Peggy and Daniel Benally.
“Abby brings her bright smile and a passion for music to every aspect of her life. She participates in the Marching Band, the Lawrence Youth Symphony, the Free State Wind Ensemble, and is active in the Pre-Med Club. She is also a dedicated member of the Keystone Club. Abby aspires to become a registered nurse, with plans to study nursing at either the University of Kansas or Washburn University. Abby said, ‘Being a Youth of the Year candidate is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to explore what makes me who I am.’”
Junior Youth of the Year
In addition to high school students recognized in the Youth of Year program, students in third through eighth grades participate in a Junior Youth of the Year.
BGC at a ceremony on Jan. 23 awarded the top finalists: Grace, Quail Run Elementary School student, and Aiden, Sunflower Elementary School student. The two candidates were “overflowing with confidence as they told their family and friends what BGC means to them,” a post on the organization’s Facebook page says.
Grace and Aiden will also share their speeches at the upcoming ceremony and one will be selected as the 2025 Junior Lawrence Youth of the Year.
A judges panel, including Cori Wallace, Stephenie Smith, Randy Glidewell, Al Hack, Thomas Murray, Emily Peterson and Harry Herrington, will review candidate essays and hold interviews with them before the ceremony. Trei Wells, 2012 National Youth of the Year, and Zion Bowlin, 2017 Lawrence Youth of the Year, will emcee the evening.
The Youth of the Year 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. 30 at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. A reception with free appetizers catered by 23rd Street Brewery 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.
Note: This post has been corrected from a previous version.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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