Jeannie Aufdenkamp named Youth of the Year



The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac is proud to announce Jeannie Aufdenkamp as its 2024-25 Youth of the Year.

Youth of the Year is the Club’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The Youth of the Year award is the most prestigious honor that can be earned at the Club, and the winner must go through an application and interview process to be considered. The award is earned, not just given out, as the Youth of the Year plays an integral role in representing the organization as a whole throughout their year-long reign.

Aufdenkamp, a freshman at Fond du Lac STEM Academy, is incredibly deserving of this recognition. She has been a Club member for the past five years and has become extremely active in the organization’s Keystone Club, Foodwise, Project Learn, SMART Moves, Squad Goals, Career Launch and numerous art programs. At school, Aufdenkamp participates in the Model UN Club, and has been part of Chess Club and Student Council. In February of this year, she was chosen to participate in a statewide math competition, along with a few other students. That same month, she was awarded Academic Success Youth of the Month at the Boys & Girls Club.

Professional photography courtesy of Christine Peck at The Sparkle Studio

Aside from being involved in many Boys & Girls Club and school activities, Aufdenkamp has also been very involved in community service projects. She has volunteered at the Celebrate CommUNITY event, participated in bell ringing for the Salvation Army, contributed to “Trees Around the World” at the Children’s Museum, collected trash to clean up the city, and bagged lunches for the warming shelter. 

Lexi Ernst, Teen Center site coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, stated “Jeannie is one of our most dedicated Club Members whose reliability and willingness to jump in and help is truly admirable. She consistently attends all programs and actively engages to her fullest potential. Jeannie fosters a positive and inclusive environment, ensuring that all members feel welcomed and valued. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel and grow both within the Club and beyond. ” 

When asked what the Club means to her, Aufdenkamp stated, “To me, the Club is a place I can go to have experiences and learn responsibilities. The Club has given me a space to make friends after moving from another state, and has provided me and other youth the opportunity to show our voices, leadership, and capability.” 

The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac is excited to see Aufdenkamp taking on this next step in being not only a great Club member, but a leader and role model for the hundreds of other youth who walk through its doors every day. 

For more information about Club programs and how to become a Boys & Girls Club member, click HERE.

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