The 2025 Youth of the Year & Junior Youth of the Year Celebration, held on February 12 at BGCAA’s Home Club campus, honored twelve outstanding young leaders who have shown exceptional dedication to their academics, leadership, and community service. These inspiring students represent schools across Austin ISD and local charter schools, embodying the values of resilience and excellence.
The spotlight shone brightly on Austin’s future leaders as Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) crowned Na’Siah M. of Navarro High Boys & Girls Club as the 2025 Youth of the Year! With this prestigious honor, Na’Siah will proudly represent Austin at the Texas State Youth of the Year competition in March.
Alongside this incredible achievement, Na’Siah received a $10,000 scholarship from the Austin Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation to fuel her academic and leadership journey. As part of her role, she will also meet with Texas state legislators, amplifying the voices of young people in our community.
During the celebratory event, Club members had the incredible honor of hearing from Alejandra Llanos, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 National Youth of the Year, who spoke to all our candidates before the announcement of winners. Alejandra’s inspiring words were a powerful reminder of the impact youth can have on their communities and the limitless potential of our young leaders. “I hope you notice that Youth of the Year is in no way just a ‘competition’ or a ‘judging’ process. It is a resource that was made to support you, a Club kid.”
Jacobi S. from Navarro High Boys & Girls Club was named Youth of the Year Runner-up, earning a $5,000 scholarship in recognition of his achievements. Jacobi’s passion for making a difference truly impressed us all.
In the Junior Youth of the Year category, Atal M. of Meadowbrook Boys & Girls Club took home the top honor, receiving a $500 scholarship to support his bright future.
We’re also excited to announce the Junior Youth of the Year Runner-up, Avan G. from NYOS Boys & Girls Club. We look forward to seeing where their journey takes them in the future!
“Each of these young leaders has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. This night was a powerful reminder of the limitless potential within Austin’s youth,” said Zenae Campbell, CEO of BGCAA. “We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see Na’Siah represent Austin at the state level.”
A SPECIAL THANKS TO:
The Domain Simon Group
Broadway Bank
Mighty Fine
About the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Program
Since 1947, Youth of the Year – Boys & Girls Clubs legacy leadership program – has recognized and celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Boys & Girls Clubs has now enhanced Youth of the Year to provide a comprehensive leadership development program, including the Junior Youth of the Year readiness program for youth ages 10 to 13. Through this program, youth gain knowledge and skills in self-leadership, leadership with others, and leadership in the community – skills they need for success in 21st-century life, work, and educational settings.