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Chicago teens’ achievements, perseverance celebrated at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s 2017 Youth of the Year Competition

Overcoming difficult neighborhood, education and family challenges to become high-achievers with character and confidence, six teenagers will describe how their local Boys & Girls Club has transformed their lives as they vie for Boys & Girls Club of Chicago’s 2017 Youth of the Year award. The Club’s annual, signature competition and dinner – at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom – caps a months-long process to win the organization’s highest youth honor, and a chance to go on to the statewide competition.

Each Youth of the Year finalist is judged on an essay and a series of written components, an interview, as well as their speech, delivered at the dinner. This year’s finalists hail from Chicago’s Little Village, Austin, Near West Side, and Garfield Park neighborhoods as well as Ford Heights.

Youth are nominated by their local Clubs for exemplary academic achievement and leadership in the following areas: community service; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The winner is chosen by a panel of Chicago civic and business leaders, and proceeds to the state competition held in April. If ultimately successful, the statewide winner goes on to participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s annual national competition in Washington, D.C. The five national finalists tour the White House and meet the President.

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