SPRINGFIELD — Boys and Girls Clubs around Illinois and around the country make an important difference on children’s lives every day, often in very challenging situations. Many of these kids go on to have amazing careers and lives.

The Boys and Girls Clubs Illinois Alliance brings together youth from around Illinois who stand out on April 10, for the Illinois Youth of the Year 2019 celebration at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.

The National Youth of the Year program was established in 1947 and recognizes B&G Club members who, with the help of their local club, have met their personal challenges head on and shown tremendous character, poise and success in the classroom and at home. Local clubs award winners who participate in regional competitions across the state, then at the state level in Springfield, and ultimately at the regional and national competitions later this year. It concludes with a visit to the President of the United States in a tradition that dates back to Harry Truman.

For more information, visit the Boys and Girls Clubs Illinois Alliance website: http://www.bgcillinoisalliance.org/youth-of-the-year.