Selected among several local outstanding youth, Liam Buell will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Missouri Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation in early April. As the new Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri, 14-year old Buell is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

The event was judged by Judge Paul Beard; Sheriff Kevin Bond; Dave Phillips, Publisher of The Sedalia Democrat and Robyn Wadley, Boys & Girls Club Board Member and emceed by James Abey, Double O Radio on-air personality. After calculating the judges' results at the Youth of the Year event, Liam Buell, from Leeton High School was announced the winner of the teen competition, Stephanie Trevino from La Monte High School was the runner up and Alexis McNeal from Smithton High School took third.

As the winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri’s Teen Youth of the Year, Buell is able to apply for a full-ride, four year scholarship to Marquette University. If Buell wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Midwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s sponsor. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2011, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

Although elementary Youth of the Year winners aren’t old enough to compete at the state level, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri believes it is important to encourage and honor all youth for their achievements.

Ian Wallen, 9-year-old Sedalia Middle School member won the elementary competition and Madison Fisher, 13 -year-old from Cole Camp Middle School was the runner-up.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri or the Youth of the Year program call 660-826-8331.

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of West Central Missouri