Outstanding Billings Teen to Compete for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's State Youth of the Year Honor

January 28, 2009 - Matt Willoughby is a true example of an extraordinary young man. At age 16, he has been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Montana Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader's Digest Foundation. As the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County, Willoughby is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader's Digest Foundation.

Willoughby is a junior at Billings West High School, an active member of the Bethel Baptist Church and has attended the Boys & Girls Club for 10 years. He is employed by the Boys & Girls Club as a Youth Development Assistant to share what he has learned from his challenges and experiences to help younger Club members become responsible for their future success.

"Matt is an exceptional young man who is mature beyond his years and has taken responsibility to develop a clear picture for his future," said Marilyn Owen, chief volunteer officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County.

If Willoughby wins at the state competition, he will compete for the title of Southwest Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2009, to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an Oval Office ceremony.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County has been serving kids since 1971 and currently the three Clubhouses serve over 600 kids each day. The Club's trained professional staff delivers high quality programs, which emphasize education and career development, the arts, character development, life skills and sports and recreation. Membership to the Boys & Girls Clubs costs $10 per year. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County please call 406-245-2582.