Youth of the Year
The most prestigious recognition a Boys & Girls Club member can receive, honoring outstanding young people who demonstrate academic excellence, moral character, life goals, and community service.
Anaya
Anaya is the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha's 2026 Youth of the Year. A dedicated Club member and natural leader, Anaya has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her education, her community, and her fellow Club members.
Through her involvement in the Keystone Club and other teen leadership programs, Anaya has shown what it means to be a productive, caring, responsible citizen. Her dedication to academic achievement and service to others makes her an outstanding representative of what the Boys & Girls Club stands for.
As BGCK's Youth of the Year, Anaya advances to compete at the state level, representing Kenosha against Youth of the Year nominees from Clubs across Wisconsin.
About Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is the signature recognition program of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Since 1947, this program has honored outstanding young people from local Clubs who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to their communities and academic achievement.
Candidates are evaluated on five key areas:
- Academic Performance: Consistent dedication to learning and educational achievement
- Moral Character: Demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect for others
- Life Goals: A clear vision for the future with actionable plans to achieve it
- Community Service: Active engagement in giving back to their community
- Poise & Public Speaking: Ability to articulate their story and inspire others
Local winners advance to state competition, then regional, and ultimately the national Youth of the Year event, where the national winner is recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Past Youth of the Year Honorees
Anaya
Youth of the Year
Talib Y.
Youth of the Year
Previous Honoree
Youth of the Year
Previous Honoree
Youth of the Year
Previous Honoree
Youth of the Year
Previous Honoree
Youth of the Year
Previous Honoree
Youth of the Year
Previous Honoree
Youth of the Year
Nominations & Applications
Youth of the Year nominations are open to all active Club members ages 14-18 who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, academic achievement, and service outlined above. The selection process includes an application, essay, interview, and speech.
Staff members, volunteers, and parents may nominate teen Club members. Self-nominations are also welcome and encouraged. The application period typically opens in the fall for the following year's award.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program or to nominate a member, contact us.
Contact Us About Youth of the Year
- Phone
- (262) 654-6200
- info@bgckenosha.org
- Address
- 1330 52nd Street
Kenosha, WI 53140