Kyla Nesset, a junior at LHS, won Clubhouse Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year 2025 for the Lewis-Clark Valley.
On Feb. 20, Nesset traveled to the Grove Hotel in Boise to compete for the title of Idaho State Youth of the Year. The competition consisted of a 15-minute interview and then a 3-minute speech to judges about her “personal growth” through her experience at the club. The biggest takeaway from her speech was that “Every challenge we face has the power to shape us and with compassion and connection we can turn pain into purpose and inspire others to do the same.”
Nesset went against seven other candidates from across Idaho who had won Organizational Youth of the Year for their regions. While the judges debated, Nesset gave her speech again at a luncheon with a group of people from the Boise area. Shortly after, they announced the winner of Idaho State Youth of the Year – Jelena Hood from Canyon County.
Nesset ultimately did not receive the title, however, she shared that it was a great experience.
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot on my public speaking skills, so I’m really appreciative of the opportunity,” Nesset said.
A few weeks before the competition, Nesset gave her speech for the first time at a local Boys and Girls Club dinner banquet. At the end of the night, she was awarded the title of the Boys and Girls Club Organizational Youth of the Year, meaning she was chosen to represent both the Lewiston and Clarkston clubhouses. She won a scholarship from the club and was asked to take part in filming a commercial with Advantage Advertising. The local commercial will promote area sponsors for the Boys and Girls Club.
Nesset will give her speech once again on May 6 at a local club breakfast.
Anyone who is a member of the Boys and Girls Club, who works as a staff, and who is still in high school can compete for the annual award.
