Youth of the Year Spotlight: Sydney Bostic

We are proud to introduce our 2025 Youth of the Year, Sydney Bostic, a remarkable young leader whose journey with the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle began when she was just nine years old.

From the moment Sydney walked into the Club, she gravitated toward creative and hands-on learning. She quickly found a passion for photography in Mr. Murphy's photo lab—where she not only learned to shoot and develop film but went on to win awards at the Berkeley County Youth Fair for her work. That experience sparked a love for science and technology that would define much of her academic and personal journey.

Over the years, Sydney has grown into a well-rounded leader involved in robotics, science fairs, Girl Scouts, and numerous community service projects. She’s volunteered at food banks, helped with holiday drives, and given her time to those in need—all while maintaining straight A’s and taking on a rigorous schedule of AP and college-level courses.

One of her most impressive accomplishments is competing in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for three consecutive years, representing our region alongside students from all over the world. Sydney’s project—a LIDAR system designed to detect movement in a room—was inspired by her peers and aimed to solve real-life problems. Through ISEF, she’s made global connections, expanded her STEM knowledge, and further fueled her dreams.

Her ultimate goal? To become a biomedical engineer and design affordable, functional, and comfortable prosthetics for children. Sydney has already been accepted into Georgia Tech and is awaiting decisions from other prestigious institutions, including Johns Hopkins and Cornell.

Sydney credits the Boys & Girls Club as the foundation of her growth:

"The Club gave me opportunities to explore my passions, meet mentors, and develop as a leader. I wouldn’t be where I am without it."

When asked what advice she has for younger Club members, Sydney shares:

"Don’t be afraid to rest. Taking care of yourself allows you to do even more. It’s okay to slow down sometimes."

Sydney’s story is a shining example of what it means to be a Champion for Youth. We are incredibly proud of her and can’t wait to see what she does next.

Congratulations, Sydney, on being named our 2025 Youth of the Year!