Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania Names Tayshawn Lyons as 2025 Youth of the Year
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 27, 2025 — Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) is proud to announce Tayshawn Lyons, a 15-year-old from Stanton Heights and student at Shady Side Academy, as the 2025 Youth of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Tayshawn’s exceptional achievements, leadership, and dedication to inspiring others.
Tayshawn, who maintains a 3.9 GPA, has been an active participant in BGCWPA’s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse for over two years. His impressive accomplishments include earning the President’s Excellence Award, a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certificate of Achievement, and the PPG Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute Certificate of Achievement. Additionally, he is a high school varsity football letter winner.
Beyond academics and athletics, Tayshawn has fully immersed himself in BGCWPA programming, participating in Money Matters financial literacy workshops, and the S.E.L.F.I.E. Project—a social-emotional learning program focused on equity and inclusion. He has also participated in teen night activities, a professional pathways tech internship, and even skiing at Seven Springs. A leader among his peers, Tayshawn serves on the BGCWPA Youth Advocacy Council.
“Tayshawn exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion,” said Scott Flurry, Director of Teen and Career Development at BGCWPA. “He has a vision to empower others and a heart for giving back to his community. His achievements are a testament to his drive, resilience, and unwavering faith. He represents so well what it means to be a Club Kid!”
Tayshawn’s aspirations include pursuing a degree in computer science, technological engineering, or software development at Morehouse College. He aims to mentor young people, encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves and unlock their full potential. As Tayshawn states, “To whom much is given, much will be required. The opportunities and blessings we receive come with the responsibility to work hard, set meaningful goals, and uplift others.”
The Youth of the Year Award is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive, celebrating outstanding youth who inspire their peers and communities. Tayshawn’s journey will continue as he represents BGCWPA at the state competition. The winner advances to regional, and potentially national competitions.
Tayshawn will officially be recognized as the 2025 Youth of the Year at the BGCWPA’s FOR KIDS Gala which will be held on March 29, 2025 at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland. For more information about the FOR KIDS Gala, please visit https://bgcwpa.org/events.
The judging panel included Jackson Elizondo from Confluence Wealth Management, Amber Deemer from Clearview Federal Credit Union, and BGCWPA leadership. Their decision considered Tayshawn’s essays, interviews, and vision for leveraging the Youth of the Year platform.
BGCWPA congratulates Tayshawn Lyons and looks forward to supporting his continued success.
###
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
For 135 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania has worked to advance the potential of youth and teens throughout the Pittsburgh region, now serving more than 7,500 youth and families across 18 locations. We are a safe place for kids to prepare for careers and life, with programs including preschool, before/afterschool, summer camp, teen mentoring, workforce development, STEAM, and sports. Our core values of safety, fun, and inclusion enable us to accelerate progress towards our priority outcomes for youth of Academic Success, Career & Life Readiness, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.