The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia will continue their annual youth recognition event, Youth of the Year, through a virtual format. Premiering Thursday, January 21, the event will feature four finalists competing for the title of Central Georgia’s Youth of the Year. The finalists are club members representing clubs in Bibb, Monroe, and Candler Counties. Presented by Cox Communications and Irving Consumer Products, this event will allow viewers to hear from each of the finalists as well as a word of encouragement from Stacey Abrams and an original song from musical guest Kelley Dixson. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia will also present a Community Partner award during the event. Tickets to the virtual event are $30.00. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards an $1,000 scholarship for the Youth of the Year Winner as well as continued club support. 

“Our youth overcome unthinkable challenges every day,” says the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia President & CEO Phillip Bryant. “And we know the barriers before them have only been magnified by the current public health crisis. It was important to us to find a way to celebrate the accomplishments of these bright young people despite the limitations surrounding in-person gatherings. We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the community support that continues to rally behind our youth. And we are particularly grateful to Ms. Abrams for her inspiring example of leadership and citizenship. Young people in Central Georgia are the leaders of tomorrow and we are honored to play a part in their development.”

The four finalists are Miriam Marlin, Kevin Jackson, Xavianna Syphrett, and Charity Ryals. The virtual Youth of the Year event will be streamed online on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 pm. Ticket and sponsorship information can be found at https://www.bgccg.org/youth-of-the-year .