On April 28, 2022 Kaleb McLendon was named the Kentucky Youth of the Year.
For more than 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Nominees that exemplify the Boys & Girls Club mission from around the country compete to be recognized among the National Youth of the Year. This year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia were proud to nominate Kaleb McLendon.
A junior at Harlan Independent High School, Kaleb McLendon stands out as a leader among his peers. He is the Entertainment Director for the Harlan Independent Future Business Leaders of America as well as Captain of the Boys’ Basketball Team. He has won numerous awards on and off the court, including MVP, All A Tournament Player, All 52nd District Player, and Youth of the Month at the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club.
In addition to being a member of both the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club of Harlan County and the Harlan Independent 21cclc Teen Club, he has also served as Junior Staff, mentoring younger Club members. Kaleb’s leadership skills ignite the drive in others and provide a beacon of light for younger Club members to follow.
This year’s competition and awards ceremony was held remotely. Club staff, friends, family, and teachers and administrators from Harlan Independent gathered in the Cawood Ledford Boys & Girls Club to watch the ceremony. The virtual ceremony included an address by Kentucky Governor Andy Bashear. In addition to the honor of being named the Youth of the Year, Kaleb will receive a $2500 scholarship and the chance to compete for a $20,000 scholarship at the regional competition in Chicago, IL in June.