YOUTH OF THE YEAR
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER TAMPA BAY LOCAL
2026
2027
Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The teen selected as National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of millions of young people.
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For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their leadership, service, academic success, and commitment to health and well-being.
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At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we believe every young person has the potential to succeed. Each day, Clubs across the country provide the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities young people need to build confidence and prepare for their future.
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Youth of the Year recipients exemplify what it means to be future-ready by demonstrating the skills, resilience, and leadership needed to succeed in school, career, and life.
MEET OUR LOCAL 2026 YOY WINNER
Caneil
Caneil has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay for 5 years, attending the Brandon Carey Club. While attending the Club, Caneil has participated in the Future Leaders program, working on scholarships, career development, apprenticeships, and service for 3 years.
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He currently works at Publix, serves as the President of the mentorship organization 'Men of Vision', and plans on attending FAU or HCC and majoring in Business Management/Accounting.
"My Club experience has given me a sense of belonging and purpose. It's a place where I've grown personally and professionally, built lasting friendships, and discovered the power of teamwork, community, and have shaped who I am today."
MEET OUR 20262027
YOUTH OF THE YEAR PARTICIPANTS
Participants will compete at a local level to be awarded the title of the 2026/2027 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay Youth of the Year. The winner will then have the opportunity to compete at the State Level.
Northside Club
Amaria
An 8 year Club Member, Amaria has been a peer leader, tutor assistant, and has also completed the Life & Workforce Readiness Prosperity Pathways program.
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She aspires to become a Cosmetologist.
Pinellas Park Club
Ayanna
For the past 2 years, Ayanna has participated in the Future Leaders program and recently received the BGC Alumni Giving Back Scholarship.
She is a member of her high schools cheerleading team and plans on attending Florida A&M University and majoring in Radiology.
Brandon Club
Caneil
A 5 year Club Member, Caneil has participated in the Future Leaders program for 3 years.
He currently works at Publix, serves as the President of the mentorship organization 'Men of Vision', and plans on attending FAU or HCC and majoring in Business Management/Accounting.
Wilbert Davis Belmont Heights Club
Demetrius
Demetrius has participated as a volunteer with Feeding Tampa Bay, Where Love Grows, the Gasparilla Distance Classic, and the Community Clean Water Initiative through Hillsborough County Water Department.
He plans on attending Florida A&M University to major in Economics.
Lacoochee Club
Gabriel
Gabe participates in the Future Leaders program, is a member of the 'Men of Tomorrow' Mentoring Program, and serves as a volunteer basketball coach for Raymond B. Stewart Middle School.
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He plans on attending HCC then transferring to Florida A&M University with aspirations to be a chef/entrepreneur.
Temple Terrace Club
Jaden
Jaden has participated in the Future Leaders program for 3 years, and has been a Club Member for 7 years.
He serves as a Media Team intern for his home church and plans on attending NYU to major in film.
Garcia Salesian Club
Johnnie
Johnnie has participated in the Future Leaders program for 3 years while attending the Club for a total of 12 years. He also serves as an Assistant Basketball Coach and Academic tutor at his Club.
Johnnie also serves as Assistant Football Coach with the West Tampa Spartans Program. He plans to get into Sports Broadcasting at one of the top universities in the nation.
Wood Valley Club
Tyrese
Tyrese participated in the Future Leaders program last summer and has attended the Boys & Girls Clubs for about 4 years.
He also works as a babysitter and is a Chess Club member. He aspires to attend FSU and become a preacher and/or a NFL player
