Exceptional Las Vegas Teen Kaprice Burns Wins Youth of the Year Honor from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada
Selected among nine outstanding teens, 16 year old, Kaprice Burns has been named the Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle (Pictured: Andy Bischel, president & CEO BGCSNV and Kaprice Burns, 2018 Youth of the Year – Southern Nevada).
Now in its 71st year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to lead, succeed and inspire. Kaprice will go on to vie for the Nevada Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“I commend these teens for having the strength and bravery to share their deeply personal stories with such poise and maturity,” said Andy Bischel, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. “We are proud our members and their accomplishments in school and as leaders in our Clubs and community. Kaprice is a shining example what the Boys & Girls Clubs look for in a Youth of the Year.”
Burns is in her junior year at Spring Valley High School and has been a member of the Lied Memorial Boys & Girls Club for six years. She aspires to attend Pepperdine University and intends to pursue a career as a pediatric surgeon.
“I was so intrigued by the Club and everything it had to offer,” said Kaprice Burns, Southern Nevada Youth of the Year. “With leadership programs like Smart Girls, Keystone and National Youth of the Year helped me break out of my shell and become the leader I am today.”
Burns credits being a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs for helping her escape the overwhelming problems that surrounded her at home. She credits the mentorship and direction she received from Club staff members for the positive path she is on today and for helping her find her voice. Burns has become a mentor to the younger Club members and her goal is to help them change the world for the better and to assist them to find their voices.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported the youth advocacy organization for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated to inspiring the next generations of engineers, thinkers and leaders who will help drive the American economy. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix, a committed partner who has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on many Academic Success initiatives, and the Taco Bell Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier partner for teen empowerment.
If Kaprice wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Pacific Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2018, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.