Local teen named Kentucky Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

A Hopkinsville teen has been selected as Kentucky State Youth of the Year by Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Jarquavious Ward spoke with WHOP News and says he was surprised and thrilled to receive the honor, and he thinks he handled himself well in the competition.

Ward has been a member of the local Boys and Girls club since first grade and says the club has always felt like a second home to him, having an important place in his life.

He plans to attend Hopkinsville Community College in the fall to become an electrician, hopefully through the HOPFAME program.

Executive Director Terrence Davis says he and the staff are “incredibly proud” of Ward.

He will compete for the Midwest regional title this fall and the winner of that competition will receive $20,000 in scholarship money and advance to the national competition.