The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County will be honoring teens for their outstanding achievements during a virtual Youth of the Year celebration on Feb. 23.

The annual event honors Boys & Girls Club members who exemplify the virtues of good character, academic excellence, community service and strong leadership throughout the year. Ceremony attendees will hear students’ inspiring stories of perseverance, commitment and achievement.

To be considered for the honor, teens submitted applications and essays documenting their experiences and vision. Then each was invited to present before a panel of judges that included Boys & Girls Club board members, community members and business partners.

At the Youth of the Year event, the Boys & Girls Club will name three finalists before announcing the Youth of the Year, who will receive scholarship funding and be eligible for consideration in a statewide Youth of the Year competition.

“Every year, you can’t help but be impressed with the character, passion and commitment of our Youth of the Year nominees,” said Megan McCarthy Beauvais, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. “They truly are outstanding citizens and future leaders, and this event recognizes and celebrates members that deserve the spotlight.”

The Youth of the Year virtual celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Tickets for the event are $750 and include dinner, and are available online by visiting Event.Gives/yoy2021. Proceeds from the Youth of the Year celebration support the Boys & Girls Club’s core program areas, which include education, career development, character and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation.

Sponsorship opportunities start at $300 and can include recognition during the event, in marketing materials, on social media and on the website, as well as event tickets and home deliveries of dinner and wine to enjoy during the presentation.

Event chairs are Audrey and Vaughn Pengelly.

For more information, please contact Amanda Curbelo at 239-325-1766 or ACurbelo@BGCCC.com.