The 2025 Washington State Youth of the Year will kick off a bit differently but it’ll still be magical! We’ll begin on the night of Tuesday, March 25th, with a new Dinner Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. Finalists will be able to meet each other, and we’ll recognize a teen with the 2025 Community Service Award. We’re inviting state legislators to attend so that they can meet the youth and hear their speeches.
Next up we’ll gather Wednesday morning at the Lacey Club for breakfast, followed by an interview workshop sponsored by WSECU. Youth will then reconvene at a Club in Tacoma where they’ll get to help each other refine their speeches. This is one of the most significant moments of the three-day event, where youth transform from competitors to community! In the evening, teens will then have an opportunity to go on a limo ride around Seattle, stopping for dessert and to take photos at Kerry Park.
On Thursday, finalists will meet one by one with a panel of judges to practice their interview and public speaking skills. Our judges this year include representatives from Swire Coca-Cola, Qualstar Credit Union, a former WA State Youth of the Year winner, and a representative from our Presenting Sponsor, Umpqua Bank. The big announcement will cap our three-day adventure at the Celebration Dinner on Thursday night, March 27th, 2025. Finally, we’ll host an afterparty for the finalists and Youth of the Year alumni in Seattle, where they can meet and let loose after an intense but mentally and emotionally enriching experience.
Bell Harbor International Event Center.