Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota Name Youth of the Year

(KNSI) – The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota will honor its Youth of the Year on Wednesday, February 8th at its Southside location.

The reception for Falastin Kunow is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. at 1205 6th Avenue South and is open to the community. The South Junior High eighth grader has been a member of the organization for seven years, joining shortly after she immigrated from Kenya.

Kunow has developed leadership skills thanks to a love of basketball. In a press release, Kunow says she wants to use her Youth of the Year award to guide others on a similar path of success.

“Being at the Club and being included in different programs has given me the ability to reach new levels of self-confidence,” said Kunow. She specifically credits staff Cody Cobb, Darius Cotton, and Erique Determan for developing that aspect of her personality.

The release says the Boys and Girls Clubs academic staff has also played an important role in Kunow’s development, offering mentorship and homework help.

The 14-year-old will compete to be named Youth of the Year for Minnesota on March 15th. There is also the potential to advance to a regional and national competition. Every advancement brings with it new scholarships. Kunow has already secured a $1,000 award. The national winner gets $50,000 in financial assistance.

Youth of the Year is graded on three components: Leadership, character, and service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles.

___