Six Northeast Ohio teens vying for Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year
Six teens from four counties are competing for the title of 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio Youth of the Year, an achievement that advances the Club member to state competition.
The winner will be announced at a March 6 event at The Cleveland Foundation.
This year’s nominees are Airyonah Tomlinson, 17, of Akron; De’Shawn Gore, 16, of Lorain; Jason Richardson, 14, of Sandusky; Kamora Keahey, 14, of Sandusky; Mariah Witherspoon, 17, of Cleveland; and Ty’Janeya ‘Neyaa’ Gordon, 18, of Cleveland.
Youth of the Year is one of BGCNEO’s signature leadership programs, with opportunities to advance to state, regional and national competition. Teens are judged on community, school and Club service as well as on a series of essays. Scholarship money is awarded to the top finishers.
“We are extremely proud of the young people who take part in this competition,” BGCNEO CEO Allen Smith said. “They exemplify our mission and show the life-changing impact of our Clubs.”
Here is a look at this year’s Youth of the Year finalists:
Airyonah Tomlinson, a senior at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, has been a Steve Wise Club member for three years and is a leader there. She finished second in the competition a year ago. Airyonah plans to attend The Columbus College of Art and Design and become a graphic designer.
De’Shawn Gore, a sophomore at Lorain High School, is a member of the Westview Terrace Club in Lorain. He enjoys interacting with the staff and other Club members. De’Shawn’s goal is to attend college, major in theater and become a famous actor.
Jason Richardson is a freshman at St. Mary Central Catholic High School in Sandusky, where he has a 3.7 grade point average and is known for his work ethic. Jason is a member of the Sandusky Teen Center, where he enjoys playing video games. After high school, Jason plans to become a blacksmith and sell his own products.
Kamora Keahey is a freshman at Sandusky High School, where she excels as a writer and discussion leader. She is also a member of the Sandusky Teen Center, where she likes playing games with friends and going on field trips. After high school, Kamora plans to attend one of the historically Black colleges and universities and become a nurse.
Mariah Witherspoon, a senior at Horizon Science Academy in Cleveland, has been a King Kennedy Club member since the age of 6. At the Club, she enjoys “any activity that allows me to be outside!” She was a Girl Scout and worked in the Youth Opportunities Unlimited program for three years. After graduation, Mariah plans to attend college and become an ultrasound technician.
Ty’Janeya ‘Neyaa’ Gordon is a senior at Cleveland’s East Tech High School, where she played volleyball all four years. Neyaa has been a Club member since the age of 5. She now goes to the East Tech Teen Center. Neyaa plans to attend Central State University and major in accounting.
Boys & Girls Clubs are safe, fun places for youth ages 6-18 to go after school, with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership and career/life readiness. There is no charge to join a Club. BGCNEO was formed in 2019 by the merger of Clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky.