Youth of the Year 2006

Abbie McLaughlin being congratulated by Governor Matt Blunt in a ceremony in Jefferson City

Abbie McLaughlin, a 16-year-old Central High School sophomore, is a true example of an extraordinary youth. Abbie has just been named the 2006 Missouri State Youth of the Year after competing against nine other participants this week at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America State Youth of the Year competition in Jefferson City. Along with the prestigious title, Abbie takes home $2,000 in scholarships ($1,000 from the Missouri Area Council and $1,000 from Reader's Digest) and will go on to compete at the Regional level in Chicago for a $10,000 scholarship.

Abbie, a member of the Henderson Unit Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, says her goals for life are to get involved in politics or do social work of some kind. Her outlook on life is: Carpe Dien – a Latin term for "Seize the Day". Abbie believes in this motto because, "if you don't take advantage of what is given to you, such as family, friends, and your talents, then you are never going to be the best you can be in life".

Abbie loves community service work saying, "The Club is my life". She has been the Keystone Club president for the last two years and has headed fundraising projects such as the Hurricane Katrina carwash and the Tsunami garage sale which raised over $1,000. Abbie has also participated in bell-ringing for the Salvation Army, stocking stuffing for Newborns in Need, Street and Memorial Garden clean-up and tutoring kids through the Ozarks Literacy Council's Two Way Street Program. Abbie states, "I like to help people because I love to see people smile . . . it makes me smile".

Congratulations, Abbie and good luck in Chicago!

What is the Youth of the Year program?

The Youth of the Year program is administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and has been nationally sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation since 1947. The program recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. The local Boys & Girls Club selects a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion then enters the state competition. The state winner receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Missouri Area Council, a $1,000 scholarship from Reader's Digest, a plaque and the opportunity to compete at the regional level. The regional winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and enter a national competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $10,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.

"The Reader's Digest Foundation has been the proud sponsor of the Youth of the Year program for 59 years," said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader's Digest Foundation. "We are thrilled that we can honor amazing teens like Abbie for their dedication and hard work." As founding sponsor of the program, the Reader's Digest Foundation has given nearly $8 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and 58 teens have been named National Youth of the Year.

Thank you Pam O'Reilly for sponsoring our luncheon!

2006 Youth of the Month's
2006 Youth of the Month Recipients

Youth of the Month Recipients

johnathan key
Derick McDonald
chad kuntzelman
abbie McLaughlin
emerald goodson
adria cintron
rick windinger
rhiannon rymer
whitney rauch
marlee sowards
rochelle younger
fabian rivera

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