"Youth of the Year" Boys and Girls Club Nominee

PEORIA- Life can be tough when you're a teenager.

But you'll find dozens of young people going above and beyond in Peoria this weekend, boys and girls clubs from all over Illinois are nominating teens for "Youth of the Year."

There are 40 clubs in the state. Each club selects an outstanding teen. Peoria's pick is Manual Academy freshman Basil McClain.

Those that know Basil say he works hard to get good grades, excel in sports, and take care of his family.

Basil says it's the boys and girls club that's made him a success.

"Where I live on the south end, mostly surrounded by gangs, drugs, because I work so hard to stay out of that. big step up for me," said Basil McClain.

Boys and Girls Club Program Director, Amy Sickinger said, "It's just, a huge encouragement for all these teens that are in their awkward teenage years. It's kind of hard to keep making the right choices. so, for all of these adults and agencies to stop what they're doing and say, hey, we're really proud of you, it gives them the encouragement and motivation to keep making the right choices."

The winner will be announced tomorrow.  There's a state level winner and ultimately a national winner.  The national "Youth of the Year" gets a fifty thousand dollar scholarship for college.