News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) met with Kiana Knolland of Wichita, the 2013 Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) National Youth of the Year. Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier recognition for club members, promoting service to family, community and club; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and public speaking ability.

“It was a pleasure to visit with Kiana and learn about her aspirations and how she’s given back to the Wichita community,” Sen. Moran said. “Being named the Youth of the Year is an outstanding achievement and Kiana as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas should be extremely proud. Through experiences in organizations like Boys and Girls Club, our state and country’s next generation of leaders are being equipped with the skills and values necessary to reach their full potential and become successful in life.”

Knolland has been a BGCA member since she was five years old. Over the years, she’s been active in a myriad of BGCA programs in addition to her role as a junior staff member and role model to the younger members of her club. During the summers of 2012 and 2013, she interned at Foulston-Siefkin, Kansas’ biggest law firm. Knolland graduated in May from Wichita Collegiate School and is now attending Howard University.

More about BGCA National Youth of the Year Award
Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 to 18 as Youth of the Month winners and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.

 

###