The 2026 Youth of the Year & Junior Youth of the Year Celebration 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 embody the values of resilience and excellence.
Introducing 2026 Youth of the Year Winner, Dulce L.
We proudly announced the 2026 Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year Celebration, and the honor belongs to Dulce L. of Navarro High Boys & Girls Club! Along with this prestigious title, Dulce was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the Austin Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation to fuel her academic and leadership journey.
Dulce’s path to leadership began just two years ago when she first stepped into the Club and discovered a safe space to grow into the best version of herself. Being named Member of the Month sparked a new confidence in her, a belief that she had the power to learn, improve, and shine.
Through volunteer efforts from tutoring younger kids through the Algebra Project to tackling food insecurity with the Brighter Bites program, Dulce has learned that true leadership is about lifting others, even while navigating her own challenges.
“The Club has not only given me new skills and opportunities but has also changed the way I see myself and my future. The Club has shaped me into the person I am becoming. It showed me that my past does not define me, and that with support and determination, I can achieve more than I imagined.”
“I am grateful to the staff who believed in me, and now I want to be that same kind of support for others. The Boys & Girls Club not only changed my path, but it also gave me a purpose to lead with hope and to give back to my community.”
Dulce L.
2026 Youth of the Year
This March, she’ll represent Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area at the 2026 Texas State Youth of the Year competition.
2026 Youth of the Year Runner-Up, H’Sanii B.
Recognized for his leadership and impact, high school senior H’Sanii of Navarro High Boys & Girls Club was named 2026 Youth of the Year Runner-Up, earning a $5,000 scholarship from the Austin Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation.
Over the years, the Club became a constant in his life, helping him navigate multiple moves, transitions between schools, and the challenges of middle and high school. Through programs like Just Keep Livin, the Black Student Alliance, and leadership roles in sports, H’Sanii developed confidence, teamwork, and advocacy skills. His experiences culminated in representing youth voices in Washington, D.C., through the Think Learn Create Project. Today, H’Sanii credits the Club for helping him grow into a confident leader who uses his voice to inspire others and create positive change in his community.
H’Sanii’s passion for making a difference in mental health for student athletes truly impressed us all.
“Without the Boys and Girls Club, I do not know if I would have had the courage to come out of my shell, take on leadership roles, or advocate for others. I am grateful for every opportunity, every mentor, and every experience the Club has given me. It did not just give me a safe place after school; it gave me the foundation to succeed in life”
We’re proud to congratulate our 2026 Youth of the Year winners as well as all of the inspiring candidates who competed for this honor. Each young person demonstrated incredible leadership, resilience, and dedication to their communities—qualities that make the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area such a special place for growth and opportunity.
Youth of the Year Candidates
H’Sanii B.
Trinity T.
Heidi R.
Dulce L.
2026 Junior Youth of the Year: Abigail
Seventh grader Abigail, from Burnet Middle Boys & Girls Club, was named the 2026 Junior Youth of the Year and awarded a $500 scholarship in recognition of her growth, empathy, and leadership. With support from Club staff and friends, she stepped outside her comfort zone, participated in community projects, and developed a strong sense of empathy. Through the Club, Abigail grew into a confident young leader who knows that true leadership begins with understanding and uplifting others. Abigail is inspired and excited to keep growing as a leader.
“Through my experiences and memories at Boys & Girls Club, I developed the way of empathizing with people and learning how to step out of the path I was used to and take a better one.”
Abigail P.
2026 Junior Youth of the Year
2026 Junior Youth of the Year Runner Up: Valentina
Valentina, a seventh-grade Home Club member and 2026 Junior Youth of the Year Runner-Up, is celebrated for her leadership, dedication, and heart for service.
Over the past seven years at the Boys & Girls Club, Valentina has grown into a natural leader known for her problem-solving, advocacy, and dedication to helping others. She supports Spanish-speaking peers at school and the Club, volunteers at events, and mentors younger members. Through the Club, Valentina has developed confidence, empathy, and leadership skills that guide her every day.
Valentina S.
2026 Junior Youth of the Year Runner-Up
We’re also excited to announce the Junior Youth of the Year second Runner-up, Al’Briya W. from Burnet Boys & Girls Club.
We’re thrilled to recognize this year’s Junior Youth of the Year honorees, including our winner, runner-up, and second runner-up. Each of these rising leaders has shown remarkable growth, dedication, and leadership through their time at the Club, inspiring their peers and making a positive impact in their communities.
Junior Youth of the Year Candidates
Al’Briya W.
Alexzanderia W.
Abigail P.
Valentina S.
Patrick R.
“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 Dulce represent Austin at the state level.”
With Gratitude: Our Youth of the Year Judges
Andy Greenawalt
Community Leader
Liz Gilman
Jackson Walker LLP
Maria Cruz
Oracle
Kimberly Holiday
Upbring
Steven Gonzalez
PNC Bank
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.
