June 6, 2026
Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County Teen Center Director Jon Hendricks with 2026 Youth of the Year Liam Transue. CPBNGTC
The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County recently announced its 2026 Teen Awards at the Sykes Family Teen Center.
“The Teen Awards Ceremony is one of my favorite nights of the year because it gives us the chance to pause and truly celebrate our members,” commented Teen Center Director Jon Hendricks in a news release. We see their hard work, growth, kindness, leadership, and perseverance in small moments throughout the year and this event allows us to recognize those accomplishments in front of their families and our community.”
This year’s awards and recipients are:
-Youth of the Year – Liam Transue
-Junior Youth of the Year – Mollie O’Neal
-Academic Success Awards – Keirra Hurst, Kooper Johnson, Mollie O’Neal, and Harper Romero
-Bob Graham Growth Award – Clay Brooks
-Cindy Platt Leadership Awards – Cate Lovelace and Ava Lytle
-Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Scholarships – Andy Cruell, Brooklynn Galloway, Dillon Hunter, Gabby Hunter, Keirra Hurst, Kooper Johnson, TJ Jordan, Gavin McMinn, Addison Worley, and Brody Worley
-Keystone Awards – Ayla Galloway and Hailey Mulenex
-Rose McCleese Consistency Award – Kiersten Callis
-Shirley Cox Courage Award – Cole Jordan and Kiko Romero
-Torch Club Award – Gracie Payne
“Each award recipient represented something special about our Club. Whether they were recognized for leadership, personal growth, character, consistency, or dedication, every member honored at the ceremony earned that moment, Hendricks added. “We are incredibly proud of them, and we hope they left feeling seen, valued, and celebrated. What made the night so meaningful was seeing families, staff, and supporters come together around our members. Our members are capable of amazing things, and when they see the adults in their lives showing up to celebrate them, that encouragement can have a lasting impact.”
The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County’s mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens by providing a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, and hope and opportunity.
To learn more, visit www.bgctransylvania.org.