Logan Luke calls Boys and Girls Club his “second home where he feels wanted.” The Poplar Bluff High School junior has been a club member for the past ten years and “enjoys taking on a leadership role by helping staff amd creating bonds” said Executive Club Director Robbie Toth-Cosby. Luke’s passion for leadership and mentoring is just one example of why he was chosen as the 2022 Youth of the Year. His mentoring of fellow youth in the program has been instrumental in preparing “them for their future educational experiences” added Toth-Cosby.
2022 Junior Youth of the Year honoree Tyrell Youngblood has been a club member for two years. He is an eighth-grader at Poplar Bluff Junior High School and enjoys Boys and Girls Club because it “is a place to be positive, happy and a fun place to go after school.” Toth-Cosby said Youngblood enjoys sports, helping others and keeping an optimistic mindset. She noted Youngblood contributes to the club’s overall atmosphere by telling others to “smile because you have a lot to smile for.”
To be considered for Youth of the Year, candidates must first apply, interview with Boys and Girls Club board members and give a self written speech.
Boys and Girls Club Chief Executive Officer Chris Rushin said of Luke and Youngblood, “they are the epitome of what we (Boys and Girls Club) try to produce with our program.” He remarked how the two honorees have overcome great obstacles in their lives and are well deserved of the honors. “We are so very proud of these young men and expect great things from them in the future” Rushin added.
On April 7, Luke and Youngblood will represent the Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland in a virtual competition between other Youth of the Year candidates in the state. The two will be vying for the titles of Missouri Youth of the Year and Missouri Junior Youth of the Year.
On April 12 and 13 both candidates will attend the Missouri Youth and Junior Youth event in Jefferson City. While there, Luke and Youngblood will meet with legislators at the Capitol, get to know their fellow youths of the year candidates and attend a banquet for the announcement of Missouri’s Youth and Junior Youth of the Year.