2025 Youth of the Year Candidates

Camden High School

Jadis

“I am extremely passionate about helping others and serving others.  This is something that sparks my interest and something I want to live out daily.” 

Jadis  is a senior and has been attending the Camden High School Club for the past four years.  Jadis is very grateful for the warm welcome he has consistently received from Club staff and for the opportunity to attend a place where he knows he will fit in by just being himself.  Outside of the Club, Jadis is dedicated to his athleticism as the captain of his football team and has received recognition as the “Most Valuable Teammate” and “Most Valuable Player.”  Anticipated career paths for Jadis include industrial trades and business.   

Elk River

MaKenzie

“Becoming a member of the Boys & Girls Club was a significant moment in my life – an opportunity that not only shaped my personal growth but also gave me a strong sense of community and purpose.” 

MaKenzie is a junior and has been attending the Elk River Club for the past six years.  MaKenzie is a charismatic and empathetic person who cares deeply about the well-being of others which is evident in her recent “Holiday Tie Blanket Drive” project that she directed as an effort to help homeless youth in her community.  In addition to Club and school activities, MaKenzie also serves her community through her employment at Beef O’Brady’s restaurant. 

Jerry Gamble

Eythan

“I want to change the narrative for the youth that will come after me….  I want to be known as someone who really supported their community.” 

Eythan  is a junior and has been attending the Jerry Gamble Club for the past nine years.  Eythan credits the Club for his tremendous growth from a quiet child to a teen that is using his voice to speak up for others.  From Keystone Club leader to assistant coach for the Middle School Girl’s basketball team, Eythan has been diligently working on building his leadership skills.  This past summer, Eythan traveled to Washington D.C. with fellow Club members to meet with legislators to advocate for increased mental health resources for teens across the nation.  

Little Earth

Lawrence

“Actions speak louder than words and our young people deserve to see us in action.” 

Lawrence (aka Larry) is a senior and has been attending the Little Earth Club for 13 years. Larry is forever grateful for the Club staff who have offered their support to him over the years.  While at the Club, Larry has served as both president and vice president of the Keystone Club, team captain for the South Side Red Bears basketball team, and attended the Warrior Leadership Summit.  Larry also has a love for sports and hopes to further his education while continuing to play basketball and baseball.   

Mt. Airy

Kahmari

“I believe that if I put in effort to help others, I could have a part in making the world a better place.” 

Kahmari is a sophomore and has recently joined the Mt. Airy Club family.  Kahmari demonstrates thoughtful and compassionate leadership in multiple roles at the Club which include right track junior staff, dance coordinator, and tech lead.  Kahmari received a Member of the Month award this past summer at the Club for her outstanding leadership.   

Southside Village

Gabriel

“What matters to me is leveling the playing field, ensuring that everyone has equal access to the tools necessary for success.” 

Gabriel is a freshman and has been attending the Southside Village Club for the past two years.  In the Club, Gabriel found a sense of belonging, support, and tools to grow into the confident, ambitious, goal-driven individual he is today.  Outside of the Club, Gabriel has grown by participating in several opportunities that include working at KRSM radio station, the Police Explorer program through the Crystal Police department, and the Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health Initiative through the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth.   

Al Lenzmeier West Side

Brianna

“It takes courage to grow and to step into spaces that challenge you.” 

Brianna is a senior and has been attending the Al Lenzmeier West Side Club for the past 13 years.  The mentorship and program opportunities Brianna has experienced at the Club have directly shaped the person she is today and how she shows up for others. During her time in the Club, Brianna has actively engaged in leadership opportunities that include Keystone President and Youth Impact Leader.  Brianna is a passionate advocate for the mental health and well-being of others and plans to attend Augsburg University in the fall and work towards becoming an Emotional Behavioral Disability Resource Teacher.   

East Side

Marcus

“My long-term goal is to make a meaningful difference in my community by spreading the message that anyone can overcome their background and succeed.” 

Marcus is a senior and has been attending the East Side Club for the past six years.  What started out as just a fun place to play volleyball, has become a second home that offered a sense of belonging and support for Marcus.  During his time at the Club, Marcus has experienced significant growth by participating in programs such as Teen Pathways and actively engaging as the president for Keystone Club.  The Career Launch program helped Marcus secure internships with Eplis Enterprises, Right Track, and the Salvation Army.  By overcoming personal challenges, Marcus is passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves.