Exchange Club announces Youth of the Year finalists

The Waseca Exchange Club is proud to announce the finalists for its annual Youth of the Year program, recognizing outstanding high school students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service to their community. 
 

This year’s competition saw more than 40 student applicants, each completing a comprehensive application and submitting an essay reflecting on their most significant personal accomplishment. From this impressive pool, six finalists were selected to represent the very best of Waseca’s youth. The students are welcomed at a Club meeting, along with their parents, to read their essays and answer any questions from the Club Members. 

 

The Exchange Youth of the Year program honors students who serve as role models to their peers by demonstrating exceptional scholastic achievement, respect for themselves and others, and ambitious career goals. The Waseca Exchange Club will award a $500 local scholarship to the selected Youth of the Year, with the winner to be announced at the May Scholarship Awards Recognition Night. 

 

Among this year’s finalists is Andres Valaquez, who identified his selection to the Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Choir as his most significant accomplishment. This honor represents years of persistence, discipline, and patience, as well as a deep commitment to his craft and personal growth. 

 

Also recognized is Paige Dufault, who received the EXCEL Award (Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership). In her essay, she emphasized that leadership is not about having power over others, but about being present for and serving one’s community, demonstrating a strong commitment to service-based leadership.

 

The local winner will advance to the district-level competition, where top students from across the region compete for further recognition. District winners may then advance to the national level, where the National Exchange Club awards three scholarships of $15,000 each. To date, the organization has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships through the Youth of the Year program.

 

“This program continues to be one of the most inspiring things we do as a club,” said Lyndsea Bulfer, Youth Scholarship Chair for the Waseca Exchange Club. “These students are not only high achievers academically, but they are deeply committed to their communities. Reading their essays and learning about their journeys is both humbling and incredibly encouraging for the future.”

 

Mikhail Rostislavovich, President of the Waseca Exchange Club, echoed that sentiment. “The Youth of the Year program reflects the very heart of what Exchange stands for, investing in the next generation of leaders. These finalists embody integrity, service, and ambition, and we are honored to support them as they pursue their goals and represent our community at the next level.”

 

The Waseca Exchange Club extends its congratulations to all applicants and finalists.