Addison R. gives a speech to secure her spot as Junior Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg on Wednesday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — Logan W., a 14-year-old eighth grader, was named Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg, while seventh grader Addison R. earned the Junior Youth of the Year honor during the club’s annual recognition event Wednesday.

Youth of the Year is the highest honor a club member can receive.

The program, which has existed for more than 75 years, recognizes young people for leadership, service, academic achievement and commitment to health and well-being. Winners advance through local, state, regional and national levels, with scholarship opportunities at each tier.

Logan was selected to represent the club at the state level following speeches and interviews evaluated by a panel of judges.

Addressing the Youth of the Year finalists, Laurea Ellis, a judge, said, “You both have exceptional futures. You guys are doing great things, and I can see you continuing that.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year competitors await the results of the competition on Wednesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Another judge, Joe Oliverio, praised the students’ confidence and preparation while offering feedback for future competitions, encouraging them to continue refining their public-speaking skills.

Logan said he decided to participate in the Youth of the Year program because of his desire to help others.

“I really just wanted to help people,” he said.

He is active in Torch Club, a youth-led service organization within the Boys & Girls Club, and has helped organize multiple community service projects.

“We made dog treats and delivered them to a dog shelter. We did an Angel Tree for families less fortunate than us. We also did a food drive and gave clothes to the Salvation Army, as well as trunk-or-treat and several other things,” Logan said.

When not involved in service activities, Logan said he enjoys spending time at the club helping people, playing games and talking with others.

“My top three probably has to be helping people, number one, two, playing games, and three, just trying to talk to people,” he said.

Addison R., 13, a seventh grader, was named Junior Youth of the Year, a designation recognizing middle school members who demonstrate leadership and engagement at the club.

Addison said she was encouraged to participate after seeing Logan’s involvement and receiving support from club staff.

“I saw how Logan inspired me to look up to him since he’s older,” she said. “I learned so much along the way, especially with the club and school, with all my friends and the club staff members.”

At the club, Addison said she enjoys creative and social activities, including playing board games, making fuse bead projects and working with 3D pens.

Youth development professional Ryan Beatty said the selection process includes multiple essays, letters of recommendation from mentors and a nomination letter detailing each participant’s experience and personal growth through the club.

“It’s all about them and their experience with clubs and maybe some difficult times in life,” Beatty said.

As the local Youth of the Year winner, Logan will travel to Charleston on Feb. 16 to compete at the state level, where participants are scheduled to meet with state leaders, including the governor and other elected officials.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com