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Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, [email protected]
Columbia Teen Kelsey Judd Named Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee’s 2025 Youth of the Year Winner.
(Pictured: Youth of the Year winner Kelsey Judd with Columbia representatives Cheryl Seacrest, Brian McKelvey, and Randy McBroom.)
Columbia Tennessee- Febuary 22nd 2025- The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) proudly named Kelsey Judd as the 2025 Youth of the Year during a ceremony at Guitar & Cadillac Hall at Puckett’s in Columbia. A 15-year-old student at Central High School, Kelsey was selected for her resilience, leadership, and commitment to academic and personal growth. She competed alongside fellow Columbia candidates Junior C., Emily N., Pauleshia R., and Mariela D., as well as Pulaski candidates Christianna J. and returning 2024 Youth of the Year winner, Talajuwon R.
The prestigious event welcomed an audience of more than 100 guests, including the seven Youth of the Year candidates, their families, Board Members, elected officials, and dedicated supporters of the Boys & Girls Club. A distinguished panel of judges oversaw the competition, featuring Demetrius Nelson, pastor at Carmack Boulevard Church of Christ; Rod Holliman, managing partner of Honest 1 Auto Care; and Elizabeth Gallegos, Align Maury Program Manager with the Maury Alliance.
Board Chair Gale Moore opened the event with a warm welcome, setting a celebratory tone for the proceedings. Junior C., a Youth of the Year candidate, followed with an invocation, offering attendees a moment of reflection. BGCSCTN CEO Ginny Wright then took the stage to highlight the significance of the Youth of the Year program and its role in developing young leaders. She also acknowledged the judges and local elected officials in attendance.
Each of the seven candidates was introduced through short interview videos, sharing their personal journeys with the Club before stepping onto the stage to deliver inspiring speeches. Following their remarks, BGCSCTN leadership presented each finalist with a certificate of achievement, recognizing their dedication, growth, and accomplishments in the Youth of the Year program.
The event concluded at 12:30 p.m., with Kelsey’s heartfelt remarks as the newly named Youth of the Year, followed by closing comments from BGCSCTN leadership.
For Kelsey, this honor represents the culmination of a journey marked by perseverance and self-discovery. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, she often felt different from her peers. However, the Boys & Girls Club provided a space where she always felt included and supported. “They always made sure I felt included, whether I was counting carbs during snack time or learning how to manage my insulin properly,” she shared in her speech.
Beyond her health challenges, Kelsey faced personal hardships, including her parents’ divorce, frequent moves, and the instability brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, the Club remained a constant source of stability and belonging. “No matter where we moved or how many changes I went through, I could always count on the Club for stability and a sense of belonging,” she said.
She credits the Club’s SMART Girls program for helping her build confidence and develop positive relationships. She also acknowledges Ms. K, a former Club staff member, who played a key role in her emotional growth. “She always made me feel heard and let me know it was okay to have emotions. I still use the breathing techniques she taught me when I’m feeling nervous.”
With aspirations of becoming a pediatric nurse, Kelsey plans to attend East Tennessee State University, inspired by her own experiences. “I want to help children, especially those who might face health challenges like I have, and give them the same support the Boys & Girls Club has given me.” As the 2025 Youth of the Year, Kelsey now embodies the Club’s mission—to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential.
The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Club’s highest honor, recognizing young people who exemplify leadership, service, academic achievement, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. As this year’s winner, Kelsey will serve as the official youth ambassador for Giles and Maury Counties, speaking at community engagements and advancing to the Tennessee State Youth of the Year competition in March.
About Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership program, honoring young people who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to healthy living and service to others. Since 1947, the program has recognized and supported inspiring youth across the country, many of whom have gone on to successful careers as doctors, lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Finalists are celebrated at local, state, and regional levels, culminating in the National Youth of the Year competition. National winners earn scholarships and the opportunity to serve as the teen spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, representing millions of youth nationwide.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (“BGCSCTN”) opened in 1999 when it was officially chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Club programs are designed to accomplish three key goals for youth: academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship. BGCSCTN has achieved national and state recognition for academic program success and currently serves more than 1,500 youth per year through two youth and teen centers in Columbia, a Club in Pulaski, and school-based programs in 11 schools in Maury County. BGCSCTN is dedicated to making South Central Tennessee a better place to live and work by ensuring that all children who walk through our doors graduate from high school ready for college or employment and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and the Youth of the Year program, please contact [email protected]
