HUTCHINSON, Kan. – November 1, 2026— On Thursday, December 3, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson will celebrate three outstanding local teens at its annual Youth of the Year event at The 1861 Club. Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive, recognizing leadership, character, academic achievement and service to others. The celebration will also introduce the organization’s inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame.
The candidates include:
Gabriel Marcum, a junior at Hutchinson High School, is the reigning Hutchinson Youth of the Year. A passionate advocate for mental health and substance misuse prevention, Gabriel has been involved with Rise Up Reno and the Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council. He founded The Cozy Bean, a Club coffee shop that helps younger members build responsibility and teamwork. Through the Club’s Up Next Work-Based Learning program, he discovered an interest in teaching and hopes to inspire future generations.
Mason Burgey, a freshman at Hutchinson High School and longtime Club member, leads through teamwork, perseverance and a willingness to help others succeed. Through the Club’s Up Next Work-Based Learning program, he gained hands-on experience at Express Employment Professionals and developed valuable workplace skills. Mason credits caring Club mentors with helping him build confidence, respect for others and a belief in his own potential.
Karina Flores-Galindo, a junior at Hutchinson High School, is a dedicated youth leader and advocate for her peers. Through JAG-K and the Club’s Up Next Work-Based Learning program, she has developed leadership and professional skills while encouraging younger Club members. Karina is now independently leading a mental health initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and adults, open conversations about difficult topics and strengthen understanding of when and how to intervene and offer support.
“Each day, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson provides opportunities and experiences for local kids and teens to thrive,” said Lance Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “Having a place to belong and someone who believes in you can have a powerful impact. Our Youth of the Year finalists are shining examples of what it means to be a Club kid.”
Guests can RSVP at www.bgchutch.com by Friday, November 13, 2026, for the Thursday, December 3 celebration at The 1861 Club, 212 Cottonwood Avenue in Hutchinson. The evening will feature raffle and auction packages including Treat Yo Self, Christmas Is Covered and Ultimate Hutch Experience, along with domestic and international getaway trips and more.
Funds raised will support Phase 2 of the Shadduck Park Playground Renovation Project. In collaboration with the City of Hutchinson, the project will resurface the back courts, creating additional recreation opportunities for Club kids, neighborhood families and the wider community. The event will also recognize the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson’s first ever inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, a volunteer from the organization, as well as the Junior Youth of the Year .
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson thanks presenting sponsor Heartland Credit Union, and its additional sponsors: ONEOK, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and Edward Jones financial advisor Allen Beck, Their generosity helps celebrate youth leadership and supports lasting community impact.
