Youth of
the Year
We celebrate the outstanding young leaders who represent the very best of what our Clubs have to offer across Georgia.
Georgia Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is a Boys & Girls Clubs program recognizing teens (14–18) who have overcome challenges and shown strong character, leadership, and achievements. Honorees are celebrated for their impact on their Club, community, academics, and families, with some advancing to regional and national recognition.
ALL EDITIONS
Explore by Year
Discover the exceptional young leaders who have been honored as Georgia's Youth of the Year.
Congratulations to the 2026
Youth of the Year Winners!
Sanyia D
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia
The Boys and Girls Club has profoundly influenced my personal and leadership development. Through its programs and supportive environment, I have learned to pursue excellence, embrace new opportunities, and carry myself with confidence in every setting. The Club has taught me the value of belonging and self-confidence; qualities that now encourage me to help others achieve. Its impact continues to shape not only who I am, but also the person I aspire to become.
Scholarships:
$2,500 — Boys & Girls Clubs of America
$5,000 — Georgia Power Foundation
Kate P
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
The Kings Bay Teen Center has been more than just a place for me, it has been where I found my confidence and my voice. As a military kid, I've had to start over many times, but the club has became my constant and safe place. Through Leadership opportunities, advocacy, and mentors who believed in me. I learned that my voice matters and that leadership is about kindness, empathy, and showing up for others. Because of the club I am mentoring younger girls, helping them see beyond the mirrors and believe in themselves both on and off the stage. The club helped me turn my experiences into purpose, and I am committed to using my voice to inspire and uplift others.
Scholarships:
$2,500 — Boys & Girls Clubs of America
$5,000 — Georgia Power Foundation
Runner-Ups
Tiedrell A.
Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia
Jaiden T.
Moody AFB Youth Program
Runner-ups each received
$2,000 from the Georgia Power Foundation and
$500 from the Mackelburg Family Scholarship. All YOY attendees also received
$500 from the GA Power Foundation.
Congratulations to all Georgia Youth of the Year Candidates!
2026
YOY Finalists
Breyana A
Jeremiah F.
Brianna S.
Ji’Kennah B.
Desmond D.
Julius S.
Donald W.
Malachi D.
Elijah W.
Omarion D.
Eva J.
Oshiana R.
Evoil L.
Ricari R.
Genesis T.
Sa’Nai W.
Jaemy Q.
Saniya L.
Jakia B.
Travyona F.
Javien B.
A Legacy of Leaders
Each year, we celebrate the exceptional young
people who represent the best of Georgia.
Thank You to Our Judges
YOUTH OF THE YEAR
Make a Youth of the Year Nomination
Local Clubs recognize members ages 14–18 and select a Youth of the Year to advance to state competition.
State winners receive over $7,000 in scholarships and move on to regional competitions, where each Regional Youth of the Year earns a $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for up to four years.
The National Youth of the Year receives a $25,000 scholarship, also renewable for up to four years, and is installed by the President of the United States.
Applications must be submitted through the Youth of the Year portal by the youth’s Club before the posted deadline.
The 2019 Georgia Youth of the Year candidates
at the Georgia Capital with Governor Brian Kemp
Youth of the Year Resources (BGCA internal access only)
- Traditional Club YOY nomination packet
- YOY Military nomination packet
- YOY Application Check List
- Links to recorded YOY trainings
- Other helpful documents and forms
If you need help with your on-going YOY program, check out the YOY Leadership Development Suite for all the materials you need to run the YOY program in your Club.
