Montana recognizes youth leaders at Boys and Girls Club proclamation event

The Montana Legislature convened on March 19, 2025, for a House Floor Session that featured a significant proclamation recognizing the contributions of the Boys and Girls Clubs across the state. The session began with Representative Vinton inviting guests to the front of the chamber for the reading of a joint proclamation.

The proclamation highlighted the vital role of Boys and Girls Clubs in 17 communities throughout Montana, serving over 13,000 youth annually, including those at Melbourne's Air Force Base and various Native American Reservations. Since its inception in Billings on February 4, 1971, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Montana have aimed to empower young people, particularly those in need, to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

The proclamation also acknowledged the prestigious "Youth of the Year" award, which has been a hallmark of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America since 1947. This honor serves as a significant recognition for club members, who must demonstrate leadership qualities to achieve this title at local, state, regional, and national levels.

During the session, three outstanding young individuals were recognized: Caden Harold from the Air Force youth program, Emma Booger from the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation, and Jackie Gonzalez Martinez from the Boys and Girls Club of Mondac. Their achievements were celebrated as exemplary representations of the values promoted by the organization, reinforcing the positive impact of the Boys and Girls Clubs in making Montana a better place for its youth.

The meeting concluded with congratulations extended to the honorees, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting the youth and organizations that contribute to the community's well-being.