BRATTLEBORO — Kayla Boyd is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. At 17, she has just been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Vermont Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Tupperware Foundation.
As the Youth of the Year for The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro, Boyd is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community.
Boyd, a junior at Brattleboro Union High School, was honored Feb. 6 at the River Garden in downtown Brattleboro among family, friends, and members of the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro for her local win.
Not only was she named local Youth of the Year winner, she also won a $500 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro.
Should Boyd win at the state level, she will compete for the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year in New York City in July. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year.
According to Beth Baldwin, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brattleboro, Boyd will be a wonderful representative at higher levels as Brattleboro's Youth of the Year.
“Kayla has overcome many challenges and she continues to rise to all occasions. Her dedication to the club and her community is truly remarkable,” Baldwin said.
Highest honor
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor the Boys & Girls Club can bestow. As Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier youth recognition program, the Youth of the Year title recognizes outstanding contributions to members' families, schools, communities and the Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.
Tupperware Brands, as the national program sponsor, awards each state winner a $1,000 college scholarship and each regional winner a $10,000 scholarship. The national winner receives an additional scholarship up to $50,000 from the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation.