Lincoln Prep Student Earns Boys & Girls Club Honors

Lincoln College Preparatory Academy student Sanay Cherry has been named the 2021 Thornberry Youth of the Year in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) National Youth of the Year program!

As the Thornberry Youth of the Year, Sanay will serve as a role model, brand ambassador and thought leader on key issues by telling her inspiring personal story at select speaking engagements. Since 1947, Youth of the Year BGCA’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members.

"I'm shocked because there are so many great young people who are part of the club at Thornberry," Sanay said. "To me, it's validation that I'm a leader. I can acknowledge that now."

Sanay is very active at Lincoln Prep, where she participates in the Freshman sponsor class, the film club and the future medical professionals club. Her passion is for flying, though, and she's already working towards becoming a commercial pilot. She credits Lincoln Prep with helping her develop as a leader both in school and in organizations like BGCA.

"I love Lincoln Prep because they've given me the opportunity to actually find myself," she said. "In class and in clubs, I've learned how to open up and be myself."

Participation in BGCA’s National Youth of the Year program is the highest honor a club member can achieve. To achieve the title of Youth of the Year on any level, members have demonstrated that they embody the values of leadership and service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City will host the 2021 Youth of the Year Celebration starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4. This event will highlight the six local finalists and recognize the Greater Kansas City Youth of the Year. This event will be virtual and streamed on Facebook Live.