Judges will select the 2026 Lawrence Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year in a joint ceremony next week when candidates deliver speeches to family, friends and community members.
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.
For the first time, BGC this year will hold the Junior Youth of the Year ceremony on the same night.
“A stepping stone to participation in Youth of the Year, Junior Youth of the Year features elementary school students who will speak about what participation in Boys & Girls Club has meant to them,” according to the release.
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There are three candidates for 2026 Lawrence Youth of the Year. A judges panel, including Maley Wilkins, Janine Colter, David Hansen, Demetria White, JeNey Jackson and Shaye Downing, will review their essays and interview them before the ceremony.
Eleven junior candidates will participate in a condensed version of the essay and interview process, before delivering individual speeches alongside the Youth of the Year candidates.
The public program for Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year selection will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
Judges will announce the winners of both competitions at the end of the ceremony. The Youth of the Year candidate will represent Lawrence in the state competition.
Meet the three Youth of the Year candidates:
(All information courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence; photos courtesy of Leah Evans Photography)
Liv Abbey
“Liv is a senior at Free State High School and the daughter of Aaron and Kimberly Abbey. She would like to pursue a career as a teacher or library technician — or perhaps as a BGC staff member. Liv is motivated to share her experiences of personal loss and bullying, including how her passions for art and BGC have helped her grow and move forward.”
Leah Anderson
“Leah is a junior at Free State High School and the daughter of Keshia Anderson and Harlan Epps. Her 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 counselor or therapist, and is considering attending the University of Kansas. She will speak about how her journey through the years at BGC has been foundational in giving her a vision for what she wants for her future.”
Laila Reetz
“Laila is a sophomore at Free State High School and the daughter of Richard and Amy Jaimez. Laila tackles the world head on as a mentor for her siblings and as a member of the Free State Girls Wrestling Team. Laila is interested in pursuing a career as a children’s therapist or lawyer and hopes to attend the University of Tennessee. She says that she was inspired to participate in Youth of the Year because BGC has been a source of mentorship and support.”
Junior Youth of the Year candidates:
One fifth grade nominee from each of the 11 Lawrence elementary school BCG sites is a candidate for Junior Youth of the Year.
Here is the full list, courtesy of the news release:
• Madison Thuma, Cordley Elementary
• Izzy Wichman, Deerfield Elementary
• Alex Garcia, Hillcrest Elementary
• Jordan Johnson, Langston Hughes Elementary
• Naomi Quinteros, New York Elementary
• Cj Davison Symmonds, Prairie Park Elementary
• Will Diepenbrock, Quail Run Elementary
• Stella McCall, Schwegler Elementary
• Sage Leiva, Sunflower Elementary
• Emma Reddell, Sunset Hill Elementary
• Jensen Aitken, Woodlawn Elementary
Learn more about Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence on its website, bgclk.org.
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