The Boys & Girls Clubs of NEPA recently held its 2009 Youth of the Year competition. The first place winner received a $1,000 scholarship and a $100 gift certificate; the runner up received a $500 scholarship and an $80 gift certificate; and the honorable mentions received a $200 scholarship and a $50 gift certificate. The Club members were judged on family, school, community and Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. The 2009 judges were Kevin Rogers, representing the Margaret Briggs Foundation and PNC Bank; Joe Peters, Boys & Girls Club alumnus; and Jerry Klein, board member and Gelb Foundation. The Boys & Girls Clubs of NEPA is proud to present the 2009 Youth of the Year and runner ups. Joseph Evans and Shane Webb are the honorable mentions. The first-place winner is Annaliesa Daubenhauser. Markis Blackwell is the 2009 Youth of the Year.

Markis will represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Harrisburg for the state Youth of the Year competition. If he wins states, he will move onto a regional competition. Regional winners are awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship.