From KC to ATL: Jegna Klub Wins 2025 Youth Innovation Award at VarCity Rising Stars

By Levi Lee

This past weekend, Jegna Klub, a Kansas City-based youth empowerment organization, was honored with the prestigious Youth Innovation Award at the 2025 VarCity Rising Stars Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. The ceremony celebrated outstanding youth and community leaders nationwide, and Jegna Klub stood out for its transformative programs and dedication to uplifting young voices.

Interns Bryan, Zahdai, and Payton represented the Jegna Klub at the event, experiencing firsthand the recognition of their hard work. Bryan shared, “Going to the VarCity Rising Stars Award Ceremony empowered me because it showed me what youth can achieve if we work hard.” Payton added, “Winning this important award in Atlanta, affects youth by showing that we can grow, win awards and be great too.”

One of the most impactful programs highlighted was JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio, the #1 teen show in the Midwest syndicated on 150 radio stations worldwide. Bryan noted its significance: “I think JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio had the most impact on our community because it reached a high number of listeners.” Payton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its broad reach: “Even the people with no phones or social media can still hear about us through JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio.”

The “Connecting the Dottes” Internship initiative also received praise for fostering community ties. Zahdai remarked, “By linking students, coaches, and local leaders, it helps build a stronger sense of identity and collaboration within the Kansas City area.”

Memorable moments from the ceremony left lasting impressions. Zahdai recounted, “One of the most memorable moments was being on stage with my fellow interns in front of all those people and receiving the award. Low key, I was nervous.” Payton was inspired by a fashion award recipient, aligning with his aspirations to become a fashion or shoe designer. 

Coach Keyz, Jegna Klub’s head coach, reflected on the significance of the award: “Even though I’m already well aware of their talent and hard work, this was an opportunity to see the fruits of our labor and provided another real-world work-based learning opportunity.” He emphasized the tangible recognition of their efforts: “All the hard work that they put in was now in a tangible item in the form of an award that they can actually hold and embrace.”

Work-Based Learning Coordinator Tone Henderson highlighted the broader impact: “To witness how far the teens’ impact is reaching outside of KC is a testament to how hard they’ve been working and it’s helping to build their networks and careers.”

The experience not only celebrated past achievements but also inspired future aspirations. Zahdai expressed a renewed commitment to leadership: “Attending the VarCity Rising Stars Awards Ceremony deepened my appreciation for youth empowerment and community leadership.” Reflecting on the event Zahdai, Bryan and Payton all rated the experience as extremely impactful, and memorable.

Jegna Klub’s recognition at the VarCity Rising Stars Awards underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering youth development and community engagement. As Coach Keyz aptly put it, “What we do here at Jegna Klub has time and time again created a change to the quality of life for our interns!”