When Lauren Bullington first came to the Ballard Boys and Girls Club 10 years ago, she was shy and nervous.

Now she has been voted 2007 Youth of the Year at the Ballard club and represented the organization at the Boys and Girls Club of King County's Annual Awards Luncheon on February 8.

She was interviewed by a panel and gave a speech in front of the audience at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle.

Judges chose one boy and one girl from among 12 Boys and Girls Clubs in the county as finalists. From the two finalists, Justin Cox, a member of the White Center club won the overall Youth of the Youth honor.

Each club chose a youth of the year according to their dedication to service, academic commitment, strength of character and life goals.

Every one of the 12 teens receives a $500 educational scholarship. As the winner, Cox was awarded a $2,500 scholarship and advanced to the state competition.

Bullington has run for the Ballard award twice.

"The third time is the charm. It's good to be recognized for things you've done, its nice," she said.

The 18-year-old is a senior at Roosevelt High School, where she participates in a range of activities like the cheerleading squad, soccer and basketball teams, while serving as a photographer for the school year book.

When Bullington first came to the club in 1997, she was shy and nervous. "At first I was terrified, it was new to me. It was nerve wracking," she recalled.

On the first day, Bullington went to the Loyal Heights Community Center by mistake. Boys and Girls Club Director Mark Hendricks drove over to pick her up and take her to the right place.

After getting used to club activities, playing with other children and working under the supervision of the club's counselors, she quickly adapted to the situation and eventually became a member of the Keystone Club.

"Speaking has gotten easier over the years," said Bullington.

"She is an outstanding and all-round great kid. She is totally involved with activities at school and she still has time to do the Keystone group here," said club director Mark Hendricks.

Through the Keystone Club, Bullington became involved in service projects like the casino night fundraiser, picking up litter at the Seattle Marathon and emptying garbage at the Ballard Seafoodfest.

Bullington says it's about being part of the community and giving back to it.

"I learned self-confidence, how to get involved in things and how to build relationships. It makes you feel not to be afraid and to step out of your boundaries. I became more outgoing," said Bullington.

Bullington wants to study communications or international studies in college. She applied for admittance to Tufts University and is waiting to be accepted.

She has the option of going to Washington State University, which has already accepted her.