MIHS Junior Adele Ross Recipient of Boys & Girls Club of King County Quincy Robertson Service and Leadership Award

MIHS junior Adele Ross with Quincy Robertson (right) and Youseff the other recipient of the Services and Leadership Award

Mercer Island, WA, February 12, 2025 – Mercer Island High School junior Adele Ross was named one of two recipients of the Boys & Girls Club of King County Quincy Robertson Service and Leadership Award at the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year ceremony on Saturday, February 8.

This past October Adele was nominated as the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, joining nine other nominees from the other King County Boys & Girls Clubs at the ceremony.

While Adele was not named the King County Youth of the Year, she was named one two winners, along with Youseff from the Kirkland Boys & Girls Club, of the Quincy Robertson Service and Leadership Award.

Each year, one teen is recognized with the Quincy Robertson Service and Leadership Award. This award is named after Quincy, a retired and beloved Boys & Girls Club staff member, who spent his 39-year Club career serving youth and his community in countless ways. This year, the judges surprised everyone at the ceremony by presenting the award to two teens!

Adele received a $2,500 scholarship for college as part of award.

She has been involved with the Boys and Girls club since sixth grade. In the last couple of years she has been on the Club’s Teen Advisory Board, Summer CIT (counselor in training), and avid volunteer at the club. 

“I have seen her grow into a strong, confidant natural leader,” said Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club Operations Director Becky Shaddle. “She is an amazing teen and we are blessed to have her as part of the club!”

To be nominated for the Youth of the Year Awards, Adele had to write three essays and give a speech. The day of the competition, the 10 nominees go before six judges (typically CEO’s from businesses within King County) and deliver their speech about what the Boys & Girls Club means to them and also answer several questions from each judge.

The Boys & Girls Club of King County had this to say about Adele receiving the Quincy Robertson Service and Leadership Award: “Mercer Island Club member Adele has been a driving force at the Club, creating a welcoming space for others while developing leadership skills through advocacy and volunteer work. She is passionate about making a lasting impact by championing youth, advancing educational initiatives, and fostering inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and supported.”