Youth of the Year 2024 Program

Youth of theYear 2024 Celebration

Schedule of Events

Mahalo to our Master of Ceremonies, Dan Cooke

10:00 AM - Doors Open

10:30 AM - Welcome and Pule

10:35 AM - Brunch

11:10 AM - Special Guest Speaker - Jasper Wong

11:30 AM - Finalists Speeches

12:10 PM - Awards

About Jasper Wong- Special Guest

Jasper Wong is a globally renowned artist, illustrator, and curator recognized for his exhibitions worldwide and features in prestigious publications like Hypebeast and Juxtapoz. He’s a repeat honoree on the HB100 list alongside industry giants like Kaws and Pharrell. With clients ranging from Versace to Marvel, Wong’s influence spans fashion, technology, and entertainment.

As the founder of ABOVE SECOND gallery in Hong Kong and lead director of World Wide Walls (formerly POW! WOW!), a nonprofit promoting community enrichment through public art, Wong fosters collaboration and community engagement globally. He also co-founded LANA LANE STUDIOS and teaches art classes at Palama Settlement, demonstrating his commitment to fostering connections through art in both public and private spaces.

2024 Youth of the Year Graduates

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier recognition program.

Candidates are outstanding members, 14-17 years of age, who exhibit exceptional leadership skills, academic achievement and outstanding service to Club and community.

Candidates who have competed in the Youth of the Year Academy and Competition, have gone on to great success and are proof to the impact Clubs make intransforming and saving kids’ lives.

Youth of the Year Judges

Brandt Farias

EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Central Pacific Bank

Blaine Kaho’onei Chief Operating Officer, Polynesian Voyaging Society

Michelle Kakazu Retired Financial Executive

Upcoming Events

April 4: Hawaii State Youth of the Year Competition

May 22: Great Futures Day

August 10: Walk in the Country

Youth of the FinalistsYear

Jianna J.

Hale Pono Ewa Beach Clubhouse

“Youth are the next generation of leaders. We must lead by being the change we want to see. Change will only come if we use our voice to advocate for the issues we see in the world and community around us.”

Melanie M.

Hale Pono Ewa Beach Clubhouse

“Everyone has a problem they want to solve, so in turn everyone can be an advocate.”

David B.

Lihue Clubhouse

“Consistency, love, resources, and support. These things cultivated the person that I am today and are preparing me for a bright future ahead. The best part? They all came from the Lihue Boys & Girls Club.”

Youth of the Ladayna

A.

Nānākuli Clubhouse

“When youths are given the necessary tools to succeed, they become agents of change. The Club has provided me with skills and opportunities that have shaped the person I am today.”

Jayden R.S.

Kapa’a Clubhouse

“In life, you make many choices that determine which path you go down. For me, coming to the Boys & Girls Club was a choice that put me on the right one.”

Amiah S.

Charles C. Spalding Honolulu Clubhouse

“I found mentors at the Club that continue to help me get through all the challenges I face as a teenager today.”

Cecelia T.

Wai’anae Clubhouse

“I am confidently pursuing my utmost potential in service, leadership, and every facet of my life.”

Tehere K.

Windward Clubhouse

“Compassionate youth are the future; compassion is caring and having concern for others. In order for there to be change, the output must come from a genuine place in the heart. I understand that courage is also a vital part of change. It takes courage to use your voice. I’m advocating for a better future through courage and compassion.”

Year Candidates

Tessa’d K.S.

Kapa’a Clubhouse

“If you stand still, you won’t get anywhere.”

Nainoa H.

Lihue Clubhouse

“You have to realize that the first step to improving yourself is accepting that you want to change. With ambition and a little support, you can be the best version of yourself.”

Shayda F.

Wai’anae Clubhouse

“Serve for a better you. Do not entirely defy whom you please to be by your surroundings.”

Coen L.

Kapa’a Clubhouse

“If you do your best, nothing can go wrong.”

Joseph A.

Lihue Clubhouse

“The Boys & Girls Club is a special place for me, for it was like my second home. The adults and people I have met in the Club became part of my family. They have helped me through tough times, especially when I lost my father at an early age. The Club was always there for me and supported me and my sister and my mom, especially when we needed a place to go while she was at work.”

Southwest Airlines is honored to join hands with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii as their “Lele I Mua” partner, and preferred airline for the Youth of the Year program. We are committed to uplifting Hawaii’s youth by providing support, resources, and opportunities for growth and success.

Mahalo to Our Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Event Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Robert Field

Chip Hammond

Ed Nishioka

Judge Michael Town (Retired)

Andrew Kamikawa

Elizabeth Makarra

Shannon Nishio

Michal Anne Rogondino

Bronze Sponsors

Bonnie-Lee Pang

Ho‘omaika‘i, congratulations, to all Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year participants and finalists. The Cast Members of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa are proud to support your great futures, and look forward to everything you will accomplish.

Scholarship Partners

Tsuha Hawaii Aloha Scholarship

Carlos C. Martinez Scholarship

Dress for Success Partner

Youth of the Year Finalists

YOY Academy & Alliance Celebration Team

Lori Bettencourt - YOY Committee Co-Chair

Brandi-Lei Smith - YOY Committee Co-Chair

Lance Hirai - Academy Co-Chair

Gigi Tang - Academy Co-Chair

Robert Washington - Academy Co-Chair

Alliance Members

Chelsie Arashiro

Lori Bettencourt

Jason Burks

Libby Defries

Glenn Dela Cruz

Grant Fukuda

Khrystyn Funasaki

Alma Yedlin

American Savings Bank

ARC Document Solutions

Arlene Kalani

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

BGCH Alliance Board of Young Professionals

BGCH Staff

Bishop Museum

Blaine Kaho’onei

Brandt Farias

Carol Savege

Clark Davis

Dan Cooke

Dani Aiu

Darren Ishii

Hawai’i Pacific University

Lance Hirai

Taylor Igarashi

Marian Kang

Daniel Kawamoto

Monica Kirst

Brysson Morita

Brad Russell

Brandi-Lei Smith

Jordan Takahashi

Allie Talavera

Gigi Tang

Alyssa Tercino

Charlie Toedt

Robert Washington

Special Mahalo

Honey & Royal Jelly

Hawaii, Inc.

Jack in the Box Hawaii

Jamba Hawaii

Jasper Wong

Jeffrey Jones

Joe Medwetz

Kellsie Sasaki-Rapozo

Kenneth Richardson

Kimberly Higashi

La Tour Bakehouse

Leslie Labasan

Manoa Valley Theatre

Marie Agustin

Mathias Maas

Michelle Kakazu

Mickey & Minnie Mouse

Nate Rhodes

Nikki Medwetz

Noelle Kalua

Old Navy

Paddy Kauhane

Ray Higa

Ray Shiraishi

Ronald C.M. Chang

Southwest Airlines

Starcom Builders Inc.

Suzie Park

Lieutenant Governor

Sylvia Luke

T&C Surf

Tiani Wada

Vinh Vong

Wally Tsuha