The public is invited to attend the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club’s Local Youth of the Year competition on Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club in Fairview.

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of club members. Each year, club members representing Boys & Girls Club organizations across the state compete for the title of Kentucky State Youth of the Year. State winners advance to the regional level and ultimately, one exceptional young person is selected as National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for the nation’s young people.

At each step along the way, the Youth of the Year wins prizes and scholarship money. Winning at the state, regional, or national level can mean thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for a student who may not otherwise be able to afford college tuition.

In order to compete, a candidate must be a member of a Boys & Girls Club for at least two years, be between the ages of 14 and 18, and demonstrate a commitment to education and citizenship. The candidates are judged based on recommendations from teachers and community leaders, an interview by a panel of judges, various essays by the candidates, and a three-minute speech about the impact the Boys & Girls Club has had on their lives.

Three local teens will be competing in this year’s competition:

• Christopher Brown, 18, son of Shonda Brown. Chris is a senior at Harlan County High School and resides in Loyall. He plans to go to Morehead State University in the fall;

• Cheyenne Coogle, 17, daughter of Ashley and Leslie Bledsoe, of Tremont. She is also a senior at Harlan County High School and plans to attend Berea College in the fall; and

TJ Hensley, 18, son of Todd and Billie Hensley, of Cawood. He is a senior at Harlan High School and plans to be an attorney.

The community is invited to attend the competition to hear the speeches of the candidates and learn more about the Boys & Girls Club. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away.

For more information, call 606-573-0960.