BASE Fort Atkinson Honors Outstanding Youth at Annual Kid of the Year Breakfast

Badgerland After School Enrichment Program (BASE) celebrated eight exceptional students at its annual BASE Kid of the Year Breakfast on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Fireside Theatre. The event recognizes young people who show strong character, leadership, personal growth, and positive engagement in BASE programs.

Nominees attended with their families, friends, and educators, alongside donors, community partners, staff, volunteers, and sponsors who gathered to support and celebrate their achievements.

“We are honored to recognize these eight remarkable kids,” said Alicia Norris, BASE Executive Director. “Each nominee represents the best of what BASE stands for, and we are incredibly proud of them.”

The program featured an overview of BASE’s mission, an update on the Future Home Community Center project, and a brief history of the Kid of the Year award. Guests also viewed a video introducing each nominee before they were recognized individually with a certificate and card from BASE staff.

Each nominee submitted a portfolio reviewed by a panel of community judges. The highest‑scoring portfolio determined the 2026 BASE Kid of the Year.

“This year’s nominees were outstanding, and we are proud to honor Gia S. as the 2026 BASE Kid of the Year,” said Emily Yavuczetin, BASE Director of Operations. “Gia truly reflects the spirit and values of BASE.”

The winner received a certificate, a $100 gift card to support extracurricular interests, and the title for the coming year.

The event was sponsored by BASE’s 2026 Corporate Sponsors- IPEC, Spacesaver, Fort HealthCare, Hausz Bros, PremierBank, Terra Staffing, Cloute Inc., FCCU and Johnson Financial Group.

BASE, formerly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Atkinson, was founded in 2005 to provide a safe, positive place for children after school. Located at 1233 Janesville Ave., BASE offers programs that help young people build healthy habits and avoid negative influences during the critical hours of 3:00–6:00 p.m., when juvenile crime rates double. BASE currently serves elementary‑aged children and will expand to include youth ages 4–6 beginning in June 2026.

For more information or to get involved, visitwww.basefortatkinson.org, follow BASE on Facebook, and connect on Instagram.