Youth of the Year Candidates: Justus, Jaylin, Josslyn, and Alex
On Thursday, March 12, the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau Abell Teen Club proudly named its 2026 Youth of the Year.
Four outstanding candidates completed the Youth of the Year selection process, each presenting their inspiring achievements in leadership, service, and academics to a panel of five local judges.
In recognition of their dedication and growth, each participant received a $500 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau to support their educational journeys after graduation.
One exceptional candidate, Justus, was named the 2026 Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau Youth of the Year representative. She received an additional $1,000 scholarship, bringing her total award to $1,500. Justus will go on to represent the Club at the state level, which was held in Charlotte on April 17.
When asked about her Youth of the Year experience, Justus said, “I am incredibly honored to represent the Abell Teen Club at the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau in Youth of the Year and truly grateful for this experience. This program has allowed me to recognize the importance of leadership, resilience, and contribution to my community. I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
Eric Peterson, who sat as one of the judges, said, “The impressive qualities demonstrated by the four students we interviewed show the great work being done by the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. Justus did a great job and will be a worthy representative for the club.”
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is proud to celebrate these remarkable teens and remains committed to developing the next generation of leaders by fostering character, confidence, and a strong sense of community.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau serves youth from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Cashiers and Highlands communities. BGCP is nationally recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as one of the top 20 Clubs out of 5,200 in the country. The Club offers a wide range of programs focusing on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. BGCP is committed to ensuring that all children, especially those who need it most, have access to a safe and supportive environment after school and during the summer months.
For more information, please contact Kayla Deaton, at (828) 743-2775 or via email at kayla@bgcplateau.org. Visit our website at bgcplateau.org.
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