Irving Park YMCA Hosts Annual Teen Leaders Club Banquet

More than 60 family members, YMCA staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters gathered at the Irving Park YMCA to celebrate a special milestone: another successful year of the Teen Leaders Club and the young people who make the program thrive.  

For club members, the annual banquet is a chance to celebrate their accomplishments alongside the people who have supported them throughout the year. 

“Leaders Club looks forward to this banquet every year! The banquet helps club members feel confidence and celebrate their achievements in front of their loved ones,” said club members Renae and Nate. 

Among those celebrating were five Leaders Club alumni, who returned to share their experiences and offer advice to current members. Current club members also took the stage, speaking about the friendships they’ve built, the skills they’ve gained, and the welcoming environment they’ve found through the program. 

For alum Stephanie G., coming back for the banquet was a reminder that those connections continue long after a teen’s time in the program ends. 

“Returning to the Y for the Leaders banquet feels like coming back to a home that, while I may not frequent anymore, I’m always welcomed in and uplifted by,” Stephanie said. 

The longstanding connections were evident throughout the evening, from one family whose three children had participated in Teen Leaders Club at the Irving Park YMCA to guests who had attended seven or more of the club’s annual banquets. 

One of the evening's most anticipated moments was the recognition ceremony. Every club member received a personalized award chosen by fellow youth participants and presented by their peers leading up to special honors for three outstanding leaders. Amirah B. received the Spirit Award for exemplifying positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication to the club. Ben S. and Samantha M. were each presented with the IMPACT Award in recognition of their leadership and the positive influence they have had on their peers and the broader community. 

Since its current launch in 2013, the Irving Park YMCA Teen Leaders Club has given teens a place to grow as leaders while building strong connections with one another and their community. The annual banquet is a chance to look back on the year and recognize just how much the teens have grown. More than a decade later, the connections that bring alumni and families back year after year continue to be a special part of Leaders Club.