Essence Carter has been named the Boys and Girls Club Military Youth of the Year. She received the honor duringa ceremony March 1 at the Topeka Civic Theatre.

Every year a Youth of the Year and a Military Youth of the Year are selected to represent the organization at a regional competition in June. Regional winners go on to the National Youth of the Year in the fall.

A sophomore at Junction City High School, Carter has been involved with the club since she was in third grade. She is active in a youth leadership forum and in the club’s youth council.

Essence as well as the Youth of the Year recipient will receive scholarships, said Theresa Freed, communication director with Kansas Department for Children and Families, which helps fund the clubs’ programs.

There were nine nominees in the two categories this year. The application process is a long one, involving written and spoken presentations, letters of recommendations, a review of academic records and assessment of community service, said Joyce Glasscock, with Boys and Girls Club of America.