6 metro area high school seniors honored by Kiwanis Club of Birmingham 

Since 1970, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham has honored high school seniors from the Greater Birmingham area with 2023 Youth of the Year scholarships.

Kiwanis Club Honorees

This year, six seniors were chosen out of more than 80 applicants, the largest pool ever.

The selected scholars are:

• Brooklyn Ehlers from Corner High School
• Jackie Hurst, Jr. from Center Point High School
• Lucas Pappalardo from Vestavia Hills High School
• Rylen Dempsey from Vestavia Hills High School
• Elizabeth Okunbor from John Carroll Catholic High School
• Markelle Scott from Huffman High School

Developing Leaders

The organization has awarded more than a quarter of a million dollars in Youth of the Year scholarships to graduating seniors enrolled in Jefferson and Shelby County schools over the past 53 years.

This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who exemplify characteristics of scholarship, citizenship, service, and leadership. 

One of the oldest and largest Kiwanis clubs in the world, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham has focused on inspiring, developing, and supporting the civic growth and health of Birmingham with a special emphasis on improving the lives of youth and, therefore, ensuring the well-being of our community for future generations. 

2023 Presenters

On hand to present the scholarships at this year award presentation were two former Kiwanis Youth of the Year Scholars who are also members of the club: 

• Matt Lembke, a Partner at Bradley and Past Kiwanis Club of Birmingham President 
• Anoop Mishra, Vice President and Regional Executive for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and current Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Membership Committee Co-Chair

Learn More

Want to learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and their many programs that enhance our community? Visit their website at https://kcob.org

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