2020 Youth of the Year - Kyla Wiggins

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is proud to announce Kyla Wiggins, the 2020 Youth of the Year. Kyla will be entering her junior year in the fall at Schenectady High School. Her volunteerism, participation and leadership over the years as a club member, junior staff member and in the community have led her to this prestigious honor.

Kyla’s journey with the Boys & Girls Club began as a six year-old when she attended Camp Lovejoy and was a member of the Mont Pleasant Clubhouse. Kyla’s leadership roles and volunteerism at the Boys & Girls Club are unparalleled. At the Mont Pleasant Boys & Girls Club, she began working in the Jr Staff program at the age of 12. She volunteered in about every position in the clubhouse. Kyla volunteered in the kitchen and created a cooking show aired on the Boys & Girls Clubs Facebook page. She was president of the Torch Club in 2017 and in 2018 she was named Jr. Youth of the Year. In 2018 and 2019 Kyla worked at the Rotterdam Boys & Girls Club through the Schenectady Job Training Agency.

Kyla now attends and volunteers at the Adeline Wright Graham Boys & Girls Club. She is a member of the Keystone Club and works in the kitchen. She took charge of the serving line and runs it every night with another volunteer. She also helps with cleaning throughout the entire teen center. Kyla has really taken ownership in the new clubhouse. Kyla is a wonderful role model to younger members who see her every day and all the work she does.

Academically, Kyla is in the rigorous Smart Transfer program through SUNY Schenectady. Kyla will graduate High School with her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. She will be well on her way to her future career in either forensics or as a police detective. Kyla is a dedicated and driven young woman with an incredible attitude and personality. We are truly lucky that she is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady.