Exchange Club recognizes Youth of the Year finalists

The National Exchange Club program honoring Youth of the Year continues to highlight the very best of Waseca’s young leaders, as the Waseca Exchange Club proudly announces four of its 2026 Youth of the Year Finalists.

 

Youth Service Committee Chair Lyndsea Bulfer said, “More than 40 local students submitted applications for this year’s program. Applicants completed a detailed application and wrote an essay describing their most significant accomplishment to date. After careful review, six outstanding students were selected as finalists. It was an incredibly difficult selection process.”

 

The Youth of the Year program honors exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership. These students serve as role models to their peers through outstanding scholastic achievement, respect for self and others, and ambitious career goals.

 

Each club-level winner will receive a $500 scholarship from the Waseca Exchange Club. The overall winner will be announced at the May Scholarship Awards Recognition Night in May. That student will then advance to the District-level competition, with the potential pathway to the National competition, where three students are each awarded a $15,000 scholarship. In total, the National Exchange Club has awarded more than one million dollars in scholarships through the Youth of the Year program.

 

Two of this year’s finalists include:

 

Ellery Waldron

Ellery’s most significant accomplishment was being named captain of two sports programs in which she has invested years of hard work and dedication. Her leadership both on and off the field reflects her commitment to teamwork, perseverance, and excellence.

 

Catherine Olson

Catherine identified being selected for Homecoming Court as her most significant accomplishment. The experience reinforced for her that her peers view her as a role model and leader, strengthening her commitment to lead with integrity and purpose.

 

“Youth of the Year represents everything Exchange stands for, service, leadership, and the belief in the limitless potential of young people,” said Mikhail Rostislavovich, President of the Waseca Exchange Club. “These students are not only achieving academically, but they are setting an example for others through character and ambition. We are extremely proud to recognize them.”

 

The Waseca Exchange Club remains committed to investing in the next generation of leaders and celebrating the students who exemplify excellence in both character and achievement.