Alton Youth Named Illinois Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year

Alton Youth Named Illinois Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year

Isaiah will move on to represent IL Clubs in the Midwest Competition

Springfield, Ill. – An 18-year-old member of the Boys & Girls Club of Alton has been named the Boys & Girls Clubs of Illinois Youth of the Year. Isaiah was given the organization’s highest honor and will now move on to the regional competition.

The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (Alliance), in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL), hosted the 2025 Illinois Youth of the Year competition at the BGCCIL clubhouse in Springfield April 28-29.

Thirteen Clubs from around the state sent their top teens to vie for the title of Illinois Youth of the Year. This accolade acknowledges outstanding Illinois Club members, ages 14-18 years old, for their many accomplishments. The event marks the culmination of extensive preparation and nominations from Club organizations throughout Illinois, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Illinois’ youth who are making a positive impact on their communities through applications, speeches, letters of recommendation and more.

"Isaiah embodies the values and leadership we strive to instill in every young person who walks through our doors,” said BGC Alton Executive Director Al Womack, Jr. “His recognition as 2025 Illinois Youth of the Year is a testament to his hard work, character, and our supportive community that has helped him thrive.”

Attaining the title of State Youth of the Year is the ultimate honor for any Club member, marking a significant achievement in their journey. Throughout the program, select youth have the chance to earn scholarship funds at different levels, from local to national. As the Illinois winner, Isaiah was awarded scholarships of $2,500 from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and $1,000 from the Illinois Area Council. Beyond financial support, the program opens doors to networking opportunities with influential figures across diverse industries.

“I’m honored to be selected as the Illinois Youth of the Year as I believe all of the candidates were great,” Isaiah said. “It felt good to have people offering words of encouragement and showering me with compliments on my speaking.”

Isaiah will go on to compete in the Midwest Region contest on June 26 in Chicago. The winner of that contest will advance to the National event where the BGCA 2025 Youth of the Year winner will be named.

The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs represents 24 Boys & Girls Clubs - affiliated organizations throughout the state furthering the mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 60,000 youth throughout Illinois - from Genesee to Carbondale and Moline to Danville. With Clubs located in large urban areas such as Chicago, mid-sized cities such as Springfield and smaller communities such as Bethalto, Clubs support youth who need us most and face many different challenges. Boys & Girls Clubs’ proven youth development model supports the needs youth have in common, such as the need to succeed academically, while allowing local Clubs to tailor their programs and activities to the specific needs of their community’s youth and families. Learn more at https://bgcillinois.org/

The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are positioned to serve more than 2,500 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle schools covering two counties (Sangamon & Morgan). BGCCIL provides character building activities and academic programs designed to deliver measurable outcomes and a safe environment with caring adults. For additional information visit http://bgccil.org

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