Kansas City AZA #2 is excited to announce the third annual Marty Awards, set to take place on May 10, 2025, at the Jewish Community Center. This prestigious event, which falls on the chapter’s 101st birthday, is dedicated to celebrating the outstanding accomplishments and achievements of our current Kansas City BBYO members, while honoring the legacy of our past leaders.

Awards will be given in various categories, including: Aleph of the Year, BBG of the Year, Mensch of the Year, Underclassman of the Year, Senior of the Year, Program of the Year and Mr. Two’s.

This year’s nominees are:

Aleph of the Year

  • Noah Bergh
  • Jonah Stein
  • Bryan Persky
  • Sam Cohen
  • Michael Furey

BBG of the Year

  • Sami Sandler
  • Hannah Markiewitcz
  • Gabby Sosland
  • Bea Colbert
  • Ruby Sokol

Program of the Year

  • Matzo Ball
  • Saadia’s Activate
  • Nordaupalooza
  • Two’s on the Town
  • Friendsgiving

Underclassman of the Year

  • Naftali Tilove
  • Judah Bassin
  • Jason Persky
  • Naama Reem
  • Sadie Hochler

Senior of the Year

  • Justin Parmet
  • Bryan Persky
  • Noah Bergh
  • Lucy Warner
  • Elliott Karpan

Mensch of the Year

  • Claire Rosen
  • Jacob Palan
  • Ariel Palan
  • Ethan Kucherovsky
  • Will Widman

The night will be capped off with the crowning of Two’s “Belle of the Ball” sweetheart. This year’s candidates are: Sabra Bergh, Ariel Palan, Naama Reem, Claire Rosen, Gabby Sosland and Emily Stang. (Senior Lucy Warner is honorary sweetheart.)

This year, Two’s is introducing a new honor: the Mnookin Memorial Two’s Hall of Fame. This new Hall of Fame is named in memory of Kansas City chemist Nathan Mnookin, the founder of the AZA movement and the chapter’s first adviser, whose vision and dedication paved the way for countless young Jewish leaders

We are excited to announce the inaugural class:

  • The Four Horsemen: This legendary group of the founding members – Philip Klutznick, Bill Horowitz, Lewis Sutin and Abe Margolin – played pivotal roles in shaping the AZA’s core values and mission. Their visionary leadership and commitment to the cause have inspired generations of Jewish youth.
  • The 1925 AZA National Basketball and Debate Champions: AZA #2 won the first national AZA basketball and debate tournament on March 21-22, 1925, in Omaha, Neb. The debate team consisted of Klutznick and Horowitz. The remarkable basketball team – led by Phil Copland, Sidney Magazine and Julius Pelztman – not only showcased extraordinary athletic talent but also exemplified the spirit of teamwork, camaraderie and competition that are hallmarks of the AZA fraternity.

In honor of the 1925 chapter, this year’s Marty Awards will be transformed into a “roaring 20s” party, with the theme: “Party Like it’s 1925.” Part of the proceeds will go toward Mitzvah Garden KC and the JFS Food Pantry, in support of Two’s year-long BBYO Stand Up campaign, “If I Had the World Give,” aimed at ending child hunger in our community.

For more information about the Marty Awards and to order tickets, please visit https://twosaza.com/martyawards.