Courtesy photo

ALPENA – The Boys and Girls Club of Alpena announced Maddison Bazzo-Ellsworth as the Alpena Youth of the Year and Arielle Maldonado as the Junior Youth of the Year on Thursday.

The Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year were selected during the club’s annual Youth of the Year celebration, where candidates shared personal stories highlighting their growth, leadership experiences, and future goals.

Bazzo-Ellsworth shared about overcoming personal struggles, including her parents’ addiction issues when she was young and being passed around the foster care system.

Despite being confined to a wheel chair, Bazzo-Ellsworth said her spirit is strong.

“No matter how broken your past is, you can always fix your future,” Bazzo-Ellsworth said.

Bazzo-Ellsworth will represent the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena at the Michigan Youth of the Year competition in Lansing, competing for scholarship opportunities and statewide recognition.

The club also recognized Maldonado as the Junior Youth of the Year, honoring younger members who demonstrate strong character, leadership potential, and commitment to the club’s values.

This year’s Youth of the Year judges were, Alpena Fire Chief Andy Marceau, Paige Fisher, Mary Schalk, and Miss Sunrise Side Lauren Mroczek.

In a press release, Catherine Knoch, director of resource development at the Boys and Girls Club, thanked judges and discussed the impact the award has on local youth.

“The Youth of the Year program gives our young people a powerful platform to share their stories, build confidence, and step into leadership,” Knoch said. “We are deeply grateful to our judges and incredibly proud of these youth for representing the very best of our club.”

For more information about the Youth of the Year program or to support the area’s youth, please visit bgcalpena.org.