It’s that time of year again! The 2024 WA State Youth of the Year will be held the last week of March. The three-day event will kick off on the evening of Tuesday, March 25th with finalists and their Club mentors gathering at Tumwater Club for a night of dinner, games and getting-to-know-yous.
Wednesday morning will begin early with a long-held tradition of the Governor Mansion’s Breakfast. Afterwards the teens will head to WSECU headquarters nearby for an interview prep workshop. The afternoon will be spent with additional speech practice, and a fun tour around Seattle in a limo, with a possible visit to an ice-cream shop.
Thursday’s the big day at Bell Harbor International Conference Center. Teens will give their speeches in front of a panel of esteemed judges. Representatives from Umpqua Bank, Swire Coca-Cola, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, WA State Legislature, School’s Out Washington, Bezos Family Foundation, and WA State 2023 Youth of the Year Alumna will select the 2024 Washington State Youth of the Year and 2024 Washington State Military Youth of the Year. The winners will be announced at the dinner that will be attended by Club leaders, youth mentors and their families as well as Youth of the Year corporate sponsors. Each finalist will have the opportunity to share their personal story with the Celebration audience. All youth will receive a $500 scholarship, and several finalists will be recognized with additional merit scholarships.
After the dinner, we’ll be doing something a little different and definitely special–an afterparty for the teens! We’re excited to kick off this year’s Youth of the Year!