Youth of the Year
What is Youth of the Year?
For 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
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Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports.
Meet the Candidates!
Sinai
2024
Youth of the Year
Age: 16
Royal Theater Club
College/Career Goal:
Product Marketing Manager
“My Club experience has been amazing since the first moment I walked into the Royal Theatre Boys & Girls Club. I have only positive memories from the past 11 years I've spent at the Club.”
Anizette
Age: 18
Pinellas Park Club
College/Career Goal:
University of Central Florida
“The Boys & Girls Club is my community. I learned how to respect others, control my emotions, stick up for myself, and how to believe in things that I thought were impossible.”
Patrick
Age: 17
Club Re-Imagined
College/Career Goal:
Chef/Culinary Arts
“The Boys & Girls Club has always been a familiar place that I could call my second home. I started my journey with the clubs more than 10 years ago in the summer of 1st grade at the Pinellas Park Boys & Girls Club.”
Jamel
Age: 18
Pinellas Park Club
College/Career Goal:
IT Field
“As I reflect on my Boys & Girls Club experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities it afforded me and the person it has helped me become.”
Jennifer
Age: 16
Wood Valley Club
College/Career Goal:
Architecture
“My Club experience has taught me to never give up. The Club has helped me to understand the importance of working towards my academic goals as well as encouraged me to try many new things and grow as a person.”
Loa
Age: 16
The Salvation Army Club
College/Career Goal:
Exploring My Options!
“There are many reasons why I love the Boys & Girls Club, but it mostly revolves around everyone there, from all the different kinds of kids to the amazing staff that have taught me many things.”