Three amazing youth participated in Boys & Girls Club’s 2025 Youth of the Year event on November 20, 2024: Southside Club Youth Brook’Lynn H., Little Falls Club Youth Bella T., and Eastside Club Youth Lavender J.
In order to participate in this program, youth must be at least 14 years old, have been a Club member for a minimum of two years and be willing to share their testimony on how the Boys & Girls Club has made a positive impact on their lives. Youth, supported by their Club’s adult mentor, prepare a packet for judges, which includes a recommendation from a Club staff, an essay on Club Experience, the youth’s membership highlights and school and community involvement, and statements on What Matters To Me and Personal Growth. Youth also present a 3-minute speech.
This year’s judges were Deerwood Bank’s VP of Business Banking Mike Frey, and PCI’s VP of Customer Services Bridget Pauna. The two had the task of reviewing the packets and speeches and interviewing each youth before determining who would receive the title.
“Each year it’s an incredibly difficult decision for our judges,” said VP of Operations Geri Bechtold. “This is the hardest job, and I’m so glad I don’t have to make the decision. Our Club youth are all so incredible. They have overcome a lot of obstacles to develop into strong youth with bright futures, and the Youth of the Year program is a great leadership development opportunity for them.”
This year, Lavender J. was selected as the 2025 Youth of the Year. Lavender has attended the Eastside Boys & Girls Club since 2021.
“I was welcomed at the Club with open arms, which gave me the strength to push myself past my limits, past my fears,” said Lavender. “I began to express myself more openly, making connections with staff and kids; I began to communicate with the people around me more successfully.”
Lavender is a member of the Eastside Club’s Keystone teen service and leadership club. She also serves as a mentor for younger members at the Club. Lavender has a passion for art, theatre and writing that is inspiring to everyone around her.
2025 Youth of the Year Reception
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota board and staff members invite the community to a reception honoring Lavender Jackson as the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota Youth of the Year. The reception will be at 5 p.m. on January 30, 2025 at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club (320 Raymond Ave. NE, St. Cloud).
What’s Next for Lavender?
As Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s 2025 Youth of the Year, Lavender will go on to compete at the state level in the Twin Cities on March 19, 2025.
In recognition of Lavender’s accomplishments as the 2025 Youth of the Year, she will receive a $1,000 Youth of the Year local scholarship. She will also receive a scholarship through her participation in the state Youth of the Year competition. The Minnesota Youth of the Year will receive a $20,000 Home Team scholarship from the professional sports organizations in the state of Minnesota. State winners participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s regional competition. Five regional winners receive a $20,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $50,000 scholarship.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year embodies the organization’s three priority outcome areas of leadership, character and service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles. The Youth of the Year is selected based on the following criteria: academic achievement; communication and relationship skills; leadership and teamwork; character, honesty and integrity. Local Clubs recognize Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in the state competition.
For more information on the important programs the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota provides, please visit our website: www.bgcmn.org.