Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year has ‘a quiet confidence’
Tayshawn Lyons is taking on an advocacy role for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania after earning its highest honor.
The 16-year-old from Stanton Heights, a sophomore at Shady Side Academy, was named the 2025 Youth of the Year for his achievements, leadership and dedication to inspiring others.
“It placed a purpose on me to use the platform to inspire youth. As long as you are purpose-driven, humble, disciplined and God-fearing, anything is possible,” he said.
Lyons, who maintains a 3.9 grade-point average, has been an active member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania‘s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse in Lawrenceville for more than two years.
Over that time, he has earned the President’s Excellence Award, a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy certificate of achievement and the PPG Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute certificate of achievement. At Shady Side, Lyons is a varsity football letter winner.
Beyond academics and athletics, he has immersed himself in Boys & Girls Clubs programs, participating in financial literacy workshops and a social-emotional learning program focused on equity and inclusion.
His favorite activities are skiing, teen night and professional and career pathway programs, he said.
“There’s never a dull moment at the clubhouse. It brings out the best parts of me.
“The clubhouse has made me confident and helped me find a purpose. I’ve seen much improvement in all aspects of my life (since joining).”
Scott Flurry, director of teen and career development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, was impressed with Lyons the first time he met him.
“Instantly, for me, was his level of maturity,” Flurry said. “It was like a quiet confidence blended with respect, integrity and intelligence.
“His work ethic was also noticed almost immediately. His attention to detail, along with his desire to do his absolute best, was apparent.”
Lyons plans to study computer science, technological engineering or software development in college.
As the organization’s Youth of the Year, he will represent the Western Pennsylvania chapter in state competition. The winner there advances to regional and potentially national competitions. Judges considered Lyons’ essays, interviews and ability to leverage the Youth of the Year platform in making their decision.
Lyons will be officially recognized as the 2025 Youth of the Year during the Boys & Girls Clubs For Kids Gala on March 29 at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland.
He beamed after learning he had won.
“I was happy to have made the people who have helped me get here proud,” he said. “I could do nothing but thank God.”
His mother, Takia Burton, was delighted to learn of the honor.
“Tayshawn has worked hard for this award,” she said. “I’m happy for him because he’s doing what he wants to do.
“I’m a proud mom and his whole family is proud of him, too.’
First Published: March 12, 2025, 5:30 a.m.
Updated: March 12, 2025, 1:44 p.m.