How Youth of the Year Shapes the Next Generation of Leaders
- BGC Metro Baltimore
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
For members at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, the Youth of the Year competition is a platform and a promise. Rooted in character and fueled by leadership, this prestigious program elevates voices and showcases youth who have exemplified leadership, served their communities, and inspired their peers. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been BGCA's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional young person from a Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.
The Road to Recognition
Our Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore Youth of the Year candidates are preparing for their final local showcase, taking place at Access Holdings on April 15. This event marks an important step on their journey toward the Maryland Youth of the Year competition on May 15. These finalists embody everything the Youth of the Year title represents. Their journeys are unique and powerful, and through this recognition, they join a national legacy of changemakers who are shaping the future. Stay tuned to see who is crowned the winner!
Name: Kiley
Club: Brooklyn O’Malley
Grade: 8th
Career Aspiration: Lawyer & Cosmetologist
Fun Fact: I am a great swimmer. I swam my first lap at the age of 3.
“Through the Youth of the Year program at Boys & Girls Club I have gained a higher confidence publicly using my words to advocate for teen mental health."
Name: Michael
Club: Leonards Lane
Grade: 9th
Career Aspiration: Business Management
Fun Fact: My parents own their own business
"Through the Youth of the Year program at the Boys & Girls Club, I’ve gained the confidence and abilities to effectively lead and connect with others.”
Junior Youth of the Year (JYOY)
The Junior Youth of the Year (JYOY) program is a key component of leadership development at BGCMB, engaging middle school members in character-building, public speaking, and goal setting. It helps younger Club members build confidence and understand the value of community service, preparing them to take on greater leadership opportunities in high school and beyond.
Congratulations to this year’s Junior finalists who participated in a mock competition earlier this year at Howard Community College: Miah – Harper’s Choice, Jade – Pocomoke City, Arnia – Leonards Lane (Cambridge), Geneya – Truitt (Salisbury), Alyana – Brooklyn O’Malley, Tamya – Westport, Denashia – Webster Kendrick, Hope – The Door, Ariah – O'Donnel Heights. And our Junior Youth of the Year Winner, Suhayb from our Clubhouse at Howard Community College.
Thank You to Our Supporters
We are especially grateful to Access Holdings for generously hosting the showcase event and providing prizes and refreshments from Chick-fil-A. Their support ensures our candidates feel celebrated and empowered.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to those who make YOY possible year-round: YOY finalist Club advisors Gabe Butler and Kyra Nichols, Club Staff, BGCMB Board of Directors, Howard Community College, Ty Hendricks, our finalist judges, and partners Mandy Howard, Oliver Landow and Ali Landow (check out their YOY shopping trip!).
How You Can Support Youth of the Year
As our YOY finalists share their stories, they represent not only their individual achievements but also the strength and potential of our members across Baltimore, Howard County and the Eastern Shore. Their commitment to service, leadership, and personal growth reflects the values we aim to foster in every young person we serve.
The YOY program is a meaningful investment in the futures of our youth throughout Maryland. Through your support we can continue to provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities that empower youth to thrive in school, in leadership, and in life.
Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders.
Comments