Arabella Gipp has been declared the 2025 Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence Youth of the Year — the third time she’s earned the honor during her high school career.
BGC held the annual event Thursday at the Lied Center. Arabella, who also won the honor in 2022 and 2023, will represent Lawrence at the Kansas Youth of the Year competition.
This year, there were five candidates. Candidates work months with their mentors to build their applications.
The ceremony included speeches from all of them, as well as performances from Lights On! — an elementary BGC dance competition held in October.
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Along with the teens, two BGC fifth graders took to the microphones, vying for Junior Youth of the Year.
Grace Goodison, a Quail Run student, recounted the childhood memories and values the club has provided her during her time.
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“I am proud to be a part of this supportive and inclusive community,” Grace said.
Aiden Kong, a Sunflower student, was the winner of the award. He showed gratitude toward his club leaders and family while discussing the hardships he had faced due to racism.
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“I am Korean American, and I am very proud of my heritage,” Aiden said. “I was shocked when I was attacked because of the very thing I am proud of.”
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The winner of both awards is decided by a panel of judges. Cori Wallace, Stephenie Smith, Randy Glidewell, Al Hack, Thomas Murray, Emily Peterson and Harry Herrington all scored the nominees on a rubric and decided a winner toward the end of the ceremony.
The first Youth of the Year nominee was Free State High School sophomore Leah Anderson. In her speech, Leah reflected on her struggles with cyberbullies growing up. She also discussed how important BGC has been in shaping her as a person and being herself no matter what.
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“I wanted to do this because I get to show my little sisters and younger kids that they can do anything,” Leah said. “Even if they are a little afraid or shy, like I was as a kid.”
Free State sophomore Julia Johnson talked about overcoming the trauma of losing her father and how it shaped her life. She described the support that the club provided her through her ups and downs while giving mental health advice to fellow teens.
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“The club was my sanctuary,” Julia said. “Through those moments of withdrawal, the Boys and Girls Club became more than a place to just burn off energy. It became a lifeline.”
Following after her classmate was Free State sophomore Abby Benally. Abby shared how BGC gave her confidence to be her true self and the welcoming environment it gave her. She also plans to continue to work with BGC to help teens like her feel more comfortable in themselves.
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“BGC became a safe space,” Abby said. “It became a place where I didn’t have to hide myself.”
Next up was Free State junior Alex Johnson. Alex advocated for his peers in his speech. He talked about how problems with mental health have affected his life. He shared advice and how the club helped him through hard times, like when he’s faced harassment about his sexuality.
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“We have to remember the importance of how strong we can be,” he said, “and to keep moving forward with our resilience high.”
Finally, Lawrence High senior Arabella gave her speech. She said the club has been nothing but a safe space for her growing up.
“The club was my place when I didn’t fit in anywhere else,” Arabella said.
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Arabella, Standing Rock Sioux, is the three-year president of BGC of Lawrence’s Keystone Club, which helps teens with their leadership. With her role in the club, she is able to help her peers while experiencing her own changes.
“The club didn’t make me, but it helped me find what I like to call ‘my superpower’ — my voice,” she said.
Tearing up, Arabella thanked the club as well as family members and friends for their support along the way.
“When I look back on all my years as a club kid,” she said, “all I can really say is thank you, Boys and Girls Club.”
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Emilia (Mimi) Rosado Schmitt (she/her) is a junior at Lawrence High School and a co-editor in chief for the LHS Budget, where she edits stories and makes graphics and reports.
See more of her work for the Times here.
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