Jolene Redlightning was named South Dakota’s 2021 Youth of the Year, which is the highest honor presented by Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Jolene, representing the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Missouri River Area in Wagner, SD, was one of five finalists who were selected based on their academic record, community involvement and involvement in their local club. The contest this year was held virtually due to the pandemic. Contestants are tasked with an application process which includes three essays, recommendation letters, resume and cover letter, qualifications and personal quotes, a three-minute speech as well as an interview with judges from across the state.

Jolene has been a club member since 2019 and has volunteered countless hours at the Boys & Girls Club. She is a student at Wagner High School. She is very involved in the club’s Torch Club program, which is a teen program that focuses on service to the community and teen prevention. She has also served as a violin mentor to younger club kids for the past two years. She is very passionate about Generational Cycles and Youth mentoring.

Jolene is the granddaughter of Pam Redlightning. After high school she plans to attend college at the University of South Dakota and major in Nursing.

Jolene will now compete at the Midwest Regional competition in July. The Regional Youth of the Year that is selected will then compete in Washington D.C. in September for the National Youth of the Year.