Ferndale Teen Represents Whatcom County at State Youth of the Year Competition

Ferndale, Washington’s Torey Wilson is a true example of an extraordinary youth. Encouraged, coached and supported by Club Staff, family and friends Wilson represented 6000 Members proudly.

Ferndale, WA (PRWEB) March 24, 2006 -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is pleased to announce Ferndale, Washington’s Torey Wilson was selected in February as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County’s 2006 Youth of the Year and recently traveled to Olympia to compete in the Washington State competition. At age 17, he is a true example of an extraordinary youth.

The Youth of the Year program, which is administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and has been nationally sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation since1974, recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

Wilson is a junior at Ferndale High School where he is currently on the honor roll and an active member of the FFA. He competes in an advanced agriculture mechanics program through Ferndale High. A Club member since he was six years old Wilson has played basketball, participated in after school programs, volunteered during the summer and after school and has even become a part time employee at the Ferndale Club.

Ferndale Branch Director, Josh Wilund commented on the experience, “Youth of the Year is one of the most amazing programs we as a Youth Development organization have the opportunity to showcase. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is truly honored to have a young man like Torey Wilson representing the 6000 kids we serve; he is a true testament to our Mission and a reason why we should all expect more from Boys & Girls Club Members."

Wilson competed against 11 other Boys & Girls Club members for the Youth of the Year title for the state of Washington and a $1,000 scholarship. The experience was tremendous for him, and though he was not selected as the State Youth of the Year the experience was valuable and he had a great time. He explained, “I met and competed with some amazing young men and women from around the State of Washington; truly the top of the top!”

The two day event consisted of interviews with judges, public speeches to audiences comprised of judges, families and peers, and wrapping up with a breakfast and formal announcement by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire at the Executive Mansion.

The winner of the Washington competition travels to California for the Pacific Region program, where they compete with seven teens from the other western states as well as one winner from the overseas military base Clubs. There are five regions in the nation, and each region holds a contest similar to the Pacific Region. The five regional winners will travel to Washington, D.C., to compete for the title of BCGA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an oval office ceremony.

Wilson will continue to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County throughout the next year, speaking at fundraisers and events, making appearances at meetings or luncheons as well as maintaining his role as a part-time Staff Member at the Ferndale Club.

For more information, please contact the Ferndale Branch Director, Josh Wilund, or Program Director, Molly Bagley at 360.384.0753.

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