The Marty Awards, an Oscar-style awards show and fundraiser hosted by Two’s AZA, returned Saturday, May 9, at the Jewish Community Center, bringing together BBYO members, alumni, families and community supporters for an evening celebrating leadership, brotherhood and the chapter’s historic legacy.
Now in its fourth year, the Marty Awards has become one of the signature traditions of the chapter, honoring outstanding members while highlighting more than a century of Jewish teen involvement in Kansas City. This year’s event carried added significance as Two’s celebrated its 102nd birthday.
This year’s winners were:
- Underclassman of the Year: Zach Reif
- Senior of the Year: Bea Colbert
- Mensch of the Year: Shia Kolb
- Mentor of the Year: Will Widman
- Program of the Year: Saadia/Nordau Haunted House
- BBG of the Year: Cleo Federlein
- Aleph of the Year: Naftali Tilove
The evening featured a red-carpet show, highlight videos, games and trivia, as well as the annual “Funny Awards.”
The ceremony was hosted by Naftali Tilove of Nordaunian AZA and Gabby Sosland of Saadia BBG.
One of the night’s highlights was the crowning of the chapter’s new Sweetheart, Julia Goldstein, who succeeds outgoing Sweetheart Ariel Palan.
The evening featured the induction of the 2026 class into the Mnookin Memorial AZA #2 Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees included Arnold Caviar, former longtime CEO of Liberty Fruit Company, as well as the late Jacob “Jack” Brown and Dr. Henry Brown.
“Two’s members were especially honored to welcome Arnold and his family to the ceremony, where he was recognized for his lifelong contributions to both the community and the chapter’s legacy,” said David Wexler, Two’s advisor.
Gabby Sosland, Council N’Siah, and Jonah Stein, Council Godol, also delivered the annual State of the Council address, reflecting on the accomplishments and growth of the Kansas City BBYO council over the past year.
This year’s event drew 27 Two’s Alephs and raised more than $5,000 in support of the chapter and its future programming, continuing the Marty Awards’ mission of celebrating both the present and future of Jewish teen leadership in Kansas City.
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