By Judy Carmack Bross
Boys & Girls Club winners and judges From left to right: Norman Livingston Kerr, Azariah, Jasmin Rosales-Montas, Whitney Huffsmith, Michael R., Madison, Michael G., Jose De La Torre, Antonella and Steve Taylor
For a board member of a non-profit organization, hands-on participation in the organization’s mission is a top volunteer opportunity. Whitney Huffsmith, a member of the Woman’s Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, recently served as a judge in BGCC’s Youth of the Year, the organization’s highest honor, celebrating outstanding Club members ages 14-18 for their leadership, service, and academic excellence.
This event, held recently at the Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom, is the culmination of months of preparation, including speech coaching, media training, and interview practice for the finalists — offering a rare and inspiring glimpse into the lives of Chicago’s youth who are making a real difference in their communities. BGCC, which has provided a safe and positive environment for the city’s youth through mentorship and high-quality enrichment programming since 1902, awarded a $10,000 scholarship and other prizes to Michael G. from the True Value Boys & Girls Club.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s Youth of the Year Michael G, left, with his family.
Each year a member of the BGCC’s Woman’s Board has the opportunity to get at the heart of her organization’s mission by serving as one of five judges. We spoke with Huffsmith, a longtime advocate of education and youth development who has spent nearly a decade supporting the mission both in the classroom and through fundraising efforts. Holding a Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Nonprofit Management, Huffsmith brings a wealth of experience as well as passion about empowering Chicago’s next generation.
Judges from left to right: Norman Livingston Kerr, Jasmin Rosales-Montas, Steve Taylor, Whitney Huffsmith
“It is amazing that students have resumes at 14—and such impressive ones—not to mention amazing public speaking skills. That night Michael G. spoke movingly of how filled he was with gratitude to his mother. They are all winners, starting with just making the decision to join a Club and show up consistently. We began with packets on the 10 finalists, containing essays they had written and teacher recommendations, and spoke with them over Zoom. After that, the top five finalists were selected.”
Huffsmith, formerly a teacher and development officer at a school in East Garfield Park and an art teacher at a Pre-K though 8 CPS School on 86th Street, told us: “In thinking of our high school Youth of the Year candidates and all students that age, technology makes everything all the more challenging, any slip you make trickles out, screens are grabbed by their peers.”
Before being awarded the Youth of the Year title, Michael G. provided insights into his 10 years at his BGCC Club. Michael has been a part of almost every program at True Value Boys & Girls Club, and some of his favorites have been swimming and robotics. A new program, StartUp LaunchPad made for future entrepreneurs has helped Michael figure out that he wants to enter the business world when he is older.
Huffsmith told us that Michael G had received much support from his True Value Club. The grateful winner said at awards night:
“I am deeply honored to be named Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago 2025 Youth of the Year and to represent my Club as I move forward to the State YOY competition. My Club has played a vital role in helping me find a sense of belonging and a space where my voice is heard and valued. I hope to inspire other young people in Chicago to pursue their dreams and strive for a bright future.”
Youth of the Year Runner up Azariah from the Chicago Bulls College Prep Club
The runner-up, Azariah from the Chicago Bulls College Prep Club, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. All finalists received scholarships, laptops, and an array of prizes, including a Chicago sports package with game tickets to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Sky, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Red Stars, and Chicago Fire. As the winner, Michael G. also received two round-trip tickets courtesy of United Airlines, the official airline of BGCC’s YOY competition. Michael G. will now participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Illinois State competition with the opportunity to continue to the regional and national competitions. This event not only celebrated individual achievements but also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of dedicated mentorship and community support on the lives of young people in Chicago. Also, the comprehensive support provided by BGCC mentors and staff played a crucial role in preparing these young leaders for success.
Finalists share the stage.
“One of the very best parts of the evening was the alumni representing our Clubs who attended to cheer for the winners,” Huffsmith said. “The finalists were cheering one another and had such poise — no one seemed at all nervous.”
Additionally, Jalen G. from the James R. Jordan Club experienced an unforgettable surprise when they were awarded Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s annual McCartin Family Service Award and a $10,000 scholarship. Attending the event to support friends, they were stunned to learn, live at the event, that they were this year’s recipient of the prestigious honor. Recognized for their dedication to mentoring fellow Club members, steadfast support of Club staff, and commitment to serving their community, Jalen G. was awarded a one-time $10,000 scholarship.
For further information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago visit: bgcc.org
