Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year
For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored the nation’s most inspiring young leaders. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year represent our highest recognition for Club members who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence and a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.
Youth of the Year (Ages 14-18)
Each year, BGCSNV hosts a regional Youth of the Year competition to honor exemplary Club members ages 14–18. During this process:
- Six outstanding high school students are selected as regional finalists
- Finalists share their personal journeys and growth through speeches delivered to a panel of judges
- One exceptional teen is chosen to serve as Youth of the Year Ambassador for Southern Nevada
- The selected ambassador advances to the statewide competition, with the opportunity to continue on to the regional level.
Six finalists – five regional winners and one national military youth winner – advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration, where one young person is named the national teen spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Congratulations to our 2026 Youth of the Year Finalists!
Britany G. 18
Lied Memorial Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 9 years
Favorite Program: Keystone
Dream College: Seattle University
Dream Career: Ultrasound Technician
Fun Fact: I’m from Jerome, Idaho!
Luna N. 17
Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 4 years
Favorite Program: Keystone
Dream College: UNLV
Dream Career: Taxidermist
Fun Fact: I’m a taxidermist in training!
Samuel J. 16
James Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 4 years
Favorite Program: Diplomas 2 Degrees
Dream College: Michigan St. or UCLA
Dream Career: NBA Player or Therapist
Fun Fact: I’m a major sports fanatic and
anime enthusiast!
Victoria J. 16
Southern Highlands Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 12 years
Favorite Program: Leaders In Training (L.I.T)
Dream College: Howard University
Dream Career: Nurse
Fun Fact: I have been dancing in Sneakerball since I was 6!
Marcus R. 14
John C. Kish Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 10 years
Favorite Program: Torch Club
Dream College: UNLV
Dream Career: United States Marine Corps
Fun Fact: I enjoy participating in color guard and D&C!
Kailyn M. 16
Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 4 years
Favorite Program: Lyricism or Money Matters
Dream College: Nevada State
Dream Career: Real Estate Agent
Fun Fact: I play flag football and run track!
Junior Youth of the Year (Ages 10-13)
Distinct from the national Youth of the Year program, Junior Youth of the Year focuses on developing emerging leaders ages 10–13 within the Club environment. This program provides a strong foundation for leadership development while preparing younger members for future participation in Youth of the Year.
Through Junior Youth of the Year, Club members:
- Develop confidence and leadership skills
- Learn the importance of service, responsibility and teamwork
- Are encouraged to pursue academic excellence and personal growth
- Begin to see themselves as role models and positive change agents
BGCSNV’s Junior Youth of the Year is a local program that recognizes leadership achievements among Club youth across the Las Vegas Valley while motivating participants to seek future leadership opportunities.
Congratulations to our 2026 Junior Youth of the Year Finalists!
ARIAH V. 12
Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 6 years
Favorite Program: National Fine Arts
Dream Career: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Fun Fact: I run the 100m, 200m, &
400m races in track
DYLANN A. 14
Boulder Highway Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 5 years
Favorite Program: National Fine Arts
Dream College: UNLV
Dream Career: Hairstylist
Fun Fact: I lead in cheering and dancing
ELDANA H. 12
Natalie C. Gulbis Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 2 years
Favorite Program: Triple Play – Body
Dream Career: Lawyer
Fun Fact: I am athletic, I’m even co-captain of the cheer team
ISABELLA P. 12
Mary & Sam Boyd Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 3 years
Favorite Program: Torch Club
Dream Career: Lawyer
Fun Fact: I am ambidextrous
ROSALBA M. 12
John C. Kish Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 3 years
Favorite Program: Be a Star
Dream Career: Immigration Lawyer
Fun Fact: I play the cello and hate any condiments
MATEO G. 13
Lied Memorial Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 5 years
Favorite Program: Torch Club & Triple Play
Dream Career: Author
Fun Fact: Knows how to play soccer & basketball
JACOB G. 11
Southern Highlands Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 4 years
Favorite Program: Torch Club
Dream Career: Boys & Girls Club Staff
Fun Fact: I was born in Hawaii
JENAVIE Z. 13
James Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 9 years
Favorite Program: Smart Girls
Dream Career: Pediatric Nurse
Fun Fact: My favorite sport is soccer
(and I’ve been cheer captain before)
PAULA M. 13
Downtown Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 1.5 years
Favorite Program: National Fine Arts
Dream Career: Actor or Theatre Tech
Fun Fact: I can animate and I have my own comic
NEVAEH E. 10
John D. Jackie Gaughan Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 2.5 years
Favorite Program: Smart Moves
Dream Career: Therapist
Fun Fact: I am super creative, I love dance, and i enjoy talking to my friends, family, & different people
ZYAIRE P. 13
Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club
Time Attending: 1.5 years
Favorite Program: Triple Play Body
Dream Career: Professional football player
Fun Fact: I love football