HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three Hutchinson High School students will be recognized for their leadership, academic achievements and community service during the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson's annual Youth of the Year celebration on Thursday, Dec. 3.
The event will take place at The 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, and will also feature the organization's inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame recognition.
Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive, recognizing leadership, character, academic achievement and service to others.
This year's candidates are Gabriel Marcum, Mason Burgey and Karina Flores-Galindo.
Marcum, a junior at Hutchinson High School, is the reigning Hutchinson Youth of the Year. He has advocated for mental health awareness and substance misuse prevention through his involvement with Rise Up Reno and the Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council.
Marcum also founded The Cozy Bean, a coffee shop within the Club that helps younger members develop responsibility and teamwork. Through the organization's Up Next Work-Based Learning program, he discovered an interest in pursuing a career in education.
Burgey, a freshman at Hutchinson High School and longtime Club member, has demonstrated leadership through teamwork, perseverance and helping others succeed. He gained workplace experience at Express Employment Professionals through the Up Next program and credits Club mentors with helping him develop confidence and respect for others.
Flores-Galindo, a junior at Hutchinson High School, has developed leadership and professional skills through JAG-K and the Up Next program. She is independently leading a mental health initiative designed to improve communication between young people and adults, encourage discussions about difficult topics and strengthen understanding of when to offer support.
“Each day, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson provides opportunities and experiences for local kids and teens to thrive,” said Lance Patterson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “Having a place to belong and someone who believes in you can have a powerful impact. Our Youth of the Year finalists are shining examples of what it means to be a Club kid.”
The celebration will also recognize the organization's first Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, a volunteer and the Junior Youth of the Year.
Proceeds from the event will support Phase 2 of the Shadduck Park Playground Renovation Project. In partnership with the City of Hutchinson, the project will resurface the park's back courts to provide additional recreational opportunities for Club members, neighborhood families and the community.
The evening will feature raffle and auction packages, including local experiences, holiday packages and domestic and international trips.
Heartland Credit Union is the event's presenting sponsor, with additional support from ONEOK, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Edward Jones financial advisor Allen Beck.
Those interested in attending must RSVP by Friday, Nov. 13, at www.bgchutch.com.