Boys and Girls Club in Benton Announces Their Nomination for Youth of the Year

 

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Saline County has nominated Ms. Katelyn Hamilton, a Benton native and current Club staffer, as its 2018 Youth of The Year.

Katelyn has worked at the Boys & Girls Club for two years now, but she attended the club when she was younger. Katelyn credits the club for helping get her through difficult times as a child, and says she would not be the person she is today without the support of the Club and its staff.

“The club made me a stronger person,” Katelyn says.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America describes Youth of The Year as “The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premiere recognition program,” which celebrates “the extraordinary achievements of Club members.” The organization goes on to write that “The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.”

As Youth of Year, Katelyn will participate in many programs with other nominated youth across Arkansas. They will come together in March for two days filled with programs and fun. During this time, Katelyn will get to tour the State Capitol and meet the Governor, and also compete in games against other nominees. Katelyn will be expected to give a speech covering her club experience, her vision for America’s youth, and her personal brand.

Katelyn says she is “most nervous” about giving her speech, however she is really excited about meeting all the other nominees.” She says she “envisions a future where our youth themselves grow into mentors for other youth because having someone to look to is important.”

Katelyn is a senior at Benton High School, where she is a member of the Benton High School Key Club whose mission is to serve the community. As of right now, Katelyn has not decided where she plans to attend college. However, she does know that when she is older she wants to become a nurse.