LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) _ A Lawrence teenager is among five candidates for National Youth of the Year, an honor administered by the Boys and Girls Club of America.

The Lawrence Journal World reports (http://bit.ly/Ku5aeG) that 18-year-old Trei Dudley could earn a $50,000 scholarship with the award. She's the first Kansas resident to be a finalist for the national award.

The National Youth award honors youth who have overcome odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments.

Dudley was named Southwest Region Youth of the Year in Dallas on Tuesday after winning local and state competitions. She's also a staff member for the Boys and Girls Club in Lawrence, where she hopes to have a positive influence on youth.