IDAHO TEENS TO COMPETE IN YOUTH OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

Boise, ID February 12, 2009 –Teens from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Idaho will compete in Garden City, Wednesday February 11th for a $2,500 scholarship and Idaho’s Youth of the Year title, a program sponsored by the Micron Foundation. 

The youth will give their competition speeches during a luncheon at 12 p.m. in front of Idaho Legislators, local mayors and other business leaders at the Rose Room, on 714 W. Idaho Street.  Individual interviews with a panel of judges will take place at the Boys and Girls Club in Garden City prior to the luncheon. The Idaho Youth of the Year winner will be announced at the luncheon.    

The young adults, representing Boys & Girls Clubs across the State of Idaho, have demonstrated outstanding character, leadership, and service to their Club and community.  They are ultimately striving to be the National Youth of the Year, who will be installed by the President of the United States and presented with a $15,000 scholarship in Washington D.C. in September.

The Idaho competition is made possible by the Micron Technology Foundation, who awards a $1,000 scholarship to the local winners and a $2,500 scholarship to the Idaho Youth of the Year.

“We are excited to support the Boys & Girls Club through this program,” said Dee Mooney, executive director for the Micron Foundation. “The leadership and character shown by the nominees is truly admirable and we hope they will continue to strive for excellence in their lives and be an example for others.”

The Idaho Youth of the Year winner announced on February 12th will represent Idaho in June at a regional competition for a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners across the country will then go on to compete for the national honor in September.

BACKGROUND:

The Micron Technology Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit organization established in 1999 with a gift from Micron Technology, Inc., is engaged in funding educational efforts and charitable activities. The Micron Foundation provides grants for programs that strengthen education, youth, and the quality of life in communities where their team members live and work. To learn more about the Micron Technology, visit its web site at www.micron.com/foundation. Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of nearly 4,000 neighborhood- based facilities annually serving some 3.8 million youth, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” Clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6 – 18 years old, conducted by full-time, professional staff.  Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness, and recreation.