HUTCHINSON, Kan. (November 5, 2025) — On Thursday, December 4th, 2025, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson will host its annual Youth of the Year celebration, “Club Kid for a Night.” This event honors outstanding Club members, with finalists competing for the title of 2026 Hutchinson Youth of the Year. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.
The candidates include:
GABRIEL MARCUM
Gabriel is a sophomore at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for four years. He has advocated for mental health and prevention resources through programs like Rise Up Reno and the Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council, and founded The Cozy Bean, a Boys & Girls Club coffee shop that teaches younger members responsibility and teamwork. Gabriel credits the Club and his parents for teaching him leadership with empathy. The leadership trait he is most proud of is being an advocate. “I believe that everyone deserves to have someone who is willing to stand up for them, support them, and fight for them.”
AAH’LICE JACKSON
Aah’lice Jackson, a freshman at Hutchinson High School and a five-year Club member, brings passion and purpose to everything she does. Through the Club’s Work-Based Learning program, she has developed skills in administration, marketing, and professional development. She leads the Glow and Shine Campaign, inspiring youth and raising awareness for mental health, and has earned titles such as Ms. Kansas Jr. Pre-Teen 2019 and Ms. Kansas Pre-Teen 2024. Reflecting on her experience, Aah’lice shared, “Becoming a Club member has impacted me in many ways. It has allowed me to step out of the box, gain confidence, set life goals, and increase my leadership skills.”
KARINA FLORES-GALINDO
Karina is an active member of the Boys & Girls Club of Hutchinson who demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to giving back. She serves as President of JAG-K at Hutchinson High School, where she is a sophomore, and participates in the Club’s Work-Based Learning program, gaining real-world experience and developing professional skills. She is recognized for her efforts to support and inspire younger Club members, and her dedication to helping others exemplifies what it means to be a Club kid.
“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 the 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 may RSVP for this free event at www.bgchutch.com. The celebration will be held at The 1861 Club at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, with cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 PM, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 PM. The evening will feature a raffle with exciting items donated by local businesses and community partners. Attendees will have the chance to win a variety of experiences and gifts, including date night dinners at local restaurants, tickets to theaters and sporting events, museum experiences, getaway trips, coffee and gourmet packages, wine and liquor baskets, and unique BGC memorabilia. Funds raised during the event will support programs and operating costs that empower Hutchinson youth.
This free community celebration is made possible through the generosity of our event sponsors, whose support helps ensure we can continue offering opportunities like Youth of the Year at no cost to indeed. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson extends special thanks to our sponsors for helping make Youth of the Year possible.
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The Hutchinson Boys & Girls Club is one of over 5,000 clubs across the country serving 4.1 million youth. The Hutchinson Club has nearly 1,000 members annually and provides programs in education and career; character and leadership; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness, and recreation. Each Club is locally funded and relies on the generosity of the community it serves.
