KANE BROWN RECOGNIZED WITH “CHAMPION OF YOUTH” AWARD AT THE 75th “NATIONAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR” FOR HIS SUPPORT OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS NATIONWIDE
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Also Awards D.C. Teen with $50,000 Scholarship, a Toyota Corolla, and a $5,000 Kohl’s Gift Card, During Star-Studded Annual “National Youth of the Year” Celebration
Last week at the Beverly Hills Hilton, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s leading youth non-profit organization, honored country music artist and Boys & Girls Clubs of America supporter, Kane Brown, with the “2022 Champion of Youth Award” in recognition of his commitment to serving young people. The Champion of Youth Award is bestowed to individuals for exhibiting above and beyond service to Boys & Girls Clubs. Previous recipients include NBA star Lebron James, entertainer Jennifer Lopez, Olympic champion Michael Phelps and the late former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Other attendees and advocates included Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, Entertainment Tonight co-host Nischelle Turner, American singer and songwriter Miguel, WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil and The Miz and Oscar-award-winning costume designer and Boys & Girls Clubs alumna, Ruth Carter. Additionally, Asha H-R. was named its 2022-2023 National Youth of the Year in a star-studded 75th anniversary celebration ceremony, sponsored by Toyota, Kohl’s and Mondelēz International.
Typically held in Washington D.C., this year marked the organization’s first debut in Los Angeles, gathering honorable Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, staff, partners and celebrity supporters at the culminating celebration of teens awarded on the local, state and regional levels throughout the year. Asha H-R was selected among six finalists to receive the prestigious honor of the National title, representing over 4 million youth in Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation.
At nine years old, Asha quickly found a sense of community at her local Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, calling it her “chosen home” ever since. “My Club wasn’t just a safe, affordable after-school option for my parents, it opened up doors of possibility and shut the windows of my insecurities. The table was set, and I had a seat, not because of who I was, but because of who I was becoming,” she said.
Often being recognized for her outstanding work in leadership, volunteering and advocacy, she found a special passion for addressing the issue of food insecurity with local food pantries in the Washington D.C. community. In fact, in the last year, Asha served meals to over 400 families, reminding her that she can always make a local impact to global issues. Aspiring to be the future President of the United States, Asha hopes to study public affairs and work closely with the D.C. Public School Board to address key issues in her local community and beyond.
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program for Club teens. As the highest honor a Club member can receive, the National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of over four million Club youth it serves. For 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.