Alex Nickel represented the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County in December as a 2022 Jr. Youth of the Year contestant. Alex competed amongst his Boys & Girls Club of Brookings peers, Finn Bartlett and Makhia Wilson, who all completed interviews with a panel of judges and prepared essays and a speech for the event.
Youth of the Year is a Boys & Girls Clubs of America program that recognizes and celebrates outstanding youth in each community’s Boys & Girls Club. The program encourages Club members to showcase how they been involved with the Club and how it has impacted them. Participating in the competition takes time and effort, and winning the organization’s Youth of the Year title is the highest honor a Club member can receive.

“Youth of the Year is one of my favorite programs at the Club,” said Hailey Adams the Executive Director at Boys & Girls Club of Yankton. “We often watch our candidates grow up throughout their time at the Club and we can clearly see the impact it has made on their lives.”
Alex has been attending the Club for four years. Staff have watched Alex’s confidence grow as he has built relationships with his peers at the Club. He is an active Club member participating in many programs, like Kid Chef and Torch Club, and earning “Be Great Champs” for his exemplary behavior.
“When I started at the Club I was bullied and teased, and would get angry quickly,” Alex said in his speech. “But with the help of the staff and my friends over the years, I am able to talk about my feelings better and turn rude comments into compliments now.”
“We are so proud of Alex and all he has accomplished,” said Ms. Grace, the Teen Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Moody County. “He brings laughter and joy to the Club each day. We are excited to see how he continues to grow!”