Ramya Thomas, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City’s Hawthorne Unit, was named 2020 Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.

In addition to winning the Youth of the Year title, Thomas received a $1,000 educational scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and a $5,000 scholarship from McCarthy Auto Group. Now in its 73rd year, The Youth of the Year Program is a leadership development program that celebrates the remarkable lives of Boys & Girls Club members who have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon a Club teen in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. Thomas will go on to contend for the Missouri Youth of the Year title and an additional $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“The Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s best and brightest young people and encourages all youth to lead, succeed and inspire,” said Dr. Dred Scott, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. “Ramya is an incredible Club member. She was nominated for her great enthusiasm and determination and we are so proud of her. Ramya is a shining example and living proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Clubs”.

Thomas is currently a senior at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. She is a member of the school’s Ace Club and Student Council. Thomas’ post-secondary plan is to attend Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas majoring in performing arts.

At the Boys & Girls Club, Thomas participates in the Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service, SMART Girls, a health, fitness and self-esteem enhancement program for girls, and M.A.M.M. (Media Arts and Music Matter). Thomas is a trusted voice among her peers and is counted on to provide support and leadership at the Club.

If Thomas wins at the state competition, she will compete for the title of Midwest 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 2020, 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 for up to four years totaling $100,000 and a brand new 2020 Toyota of their choice.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.