One of the most popular of Exchange's youth projects, the Youth of the Year Award, recognizes industrious high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership. This proven program not only rewards outstanding young people, but also provides an incentive for other youngsters to strive for equally high levels of achievement. In the Fresno Area, the Exchange Club of Fresno is responsible for recognizing the outstanding young ladies from the various high schools in the immediate Fresno area, while the North Fresno Exchange Club recognizes the young men from the various high schools. The Clovis Exchange Club recognizes both male and female senior students from the high schools in the Clovis school district. The Exchange Club of Fresno honors each of the selected girls from each high school on a weekly basis at the start of each year. From amongst the participants, and based on a scoring system provided by the National Exchange Club, a Youth of the Year is selected and honored, along with the other honorees, at the Youth of the Year Banquet. Please see the schedule that follows. Then, the club's Youth of the Year advances to district competition, and ultimately, an opportunity to vie for the prestigious National Youth of the Year Award. The Exchange Club of Fresno was honored and proud to have sponsored Selena Farnesi of Bullard High School who was the winner of the National Youth of the Year Award in 2008. Whereas the recipients are selected by faculty, the Exchange Club is responsible for providing the awards and promoting the program in the community. |
