YC Celebrates Excellence at Second Annual Awards Night

Youth Challenge held its second annual Awards Night on Thursday, November 7. Just as many schools and other recreational programs have end-of-the-year awards banquets, so does Youth Challenge. Participants and volunteers were recognized at Awards Night for excellence in sports, arts, and moral character.

This year, the Leadership Award was named for Breanna Sprenger, a participant alumna who tragically passed away earlier this year. Her parents Carrie Ross and John Sprenger represented her as keynote speakers at the event. YC Board member and staff and volunteer alum Matt Niehaus represented teen volunteers as the other keynote speaker at the event.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for representing the best of YC culture!

Rookie of the Year Award

Immy Synk, Westlake, Ohio  (Participant)

Thomas Kerns, Mayfield, OH (Volunteer)

Creativity Award

Eva Smith, North Royalton, OH (Participant)

Liam Clawson, Cleveland, OH (Volunteer)

Athlete of the Year Award

TJ Sikora, North Olmsted, OH (Participant)

Sumaiya Hedge, Bay Village, OH (Volunteer)

Sportsmanship Award

Christian Evan Robinson, Cleveland Heights, OH (Participant)

Andrew Massien, Highland Heights, OH (Volunteer)

YC Motivator Award

Finn Born-Crow, Lakewood, OH (Participant)

Dea Selgjekaj,Highland Heights, OH (Volunteer)

Standout Performer Award

George Shepherd, Avon Lake, OH (Participant)

Iilya Zjaba, Strongsville, OH (Volunteer)

The Advocacy Award

Alex Martinez, South Euclid, OH (Participant)

Erin Clark & Luci Duncan, Cleveland, OH  (Volunteers)

Breanna Sprenger Leadership Award

Marcus Harvey, Cleveland, OH (Participant)

Taryn Kozak, Shaker Heights, OH (Volunteer)

The Extra Mile Award

Will Gallup, Parma, OH (Participant)

Emma Calkins, Avon Lake, OH (Volunteer)