This year, our 2026 candidates have worked tirelessly—developing their voices, honing leadership skills, advocating for their communities, and inspiring their peers. From mentoring younger members to leading community projects and speaking up on issues that matter, these young leaders have shown resilience, dedication, and a drive to make a difference.
Meet the Boys & Girls of the Austin Area 2026 Youth of the Year Candidates—our next generation of changemakers, role models, and trailblazers!
H’Sanii B.
Navarro High Boys & Girls Club
Length of Club Membership: 10 years
School: Navarro High School
Grade: 12th Grade
Career Interest: Architect
H’Sanii is a driven student-athlete and compassionate leader who believes in listening first, learning with an open mind, and using his voice to advocate for change. As a Youth of the Year candidate, he hopes to represent young people by amplifying their voices and shaping ideas that lead to success.
Through his involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs Think Learn Create Change (TLC) program, H’Sanii has advocated for his community at both the state and national level, and he was recently featured in the Texas Tribune for his leadership and dedication.
“I was able to travel to Washington, D.C. and advocate for Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide over the past summer. Standing in front of leaders in our nation’s capital was a moment I will never forget because it showed me how powerful it can be when youth are given a platform. Because of the Club, I found my confidence, developed leadership skills, and had experiences I never would have imagined.”
Looking ahead, H’Sanii aspires to become an architect, designing spaces that bring people together and improve the way communities live, learn, and connect. His leadership as football captain, summer camp counselor, and project collaborator has honed his skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. With resilience and determination, he continues to grow as both a learner and a leader, inspiring peers across Austin and beyond.
Dulce L.
Navarro High Boys & Girls Club
Length of Club Membership: Two years
School: Navarro High School
Grade: 11th Grade
Career Interest: Culinary or Criminal Justice
For Dulce, being herself is the greatest impact she can make. She encourages young people to embrace who they are, learn from challenges, and choose a brighter path forward reminding everyone that belonging doesn’t require fitting into a mold.
Her leadership shines through both her school and community involvement. Dulce leads nature walks and organizes hikes through her school clubs, participates in local beautification and cleanup projects, and tutors younger students through the Algebra Project. She also volunteered with Boys & Girls Clubs’ partnership with Brighter Bites with the YOY summer cohort, helping bag and distribute produce to families in need. These experiences have strengthened her skills in mentoring, responsibility, and teamwork, while giving her confidence to step into leadership roles and advocate for others.
“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 helped shaped me into the person I am becoming.”
Through her dedication, Dulce has grown into a patient mentor, role model, and advocate for inclusion. She hopes to continue using her platform to empower peers, foster acceptance, and build community wherever her journey takes her.
Trinity T.
LBJ High Boys & Girls Club
Length of Club Membership: Four years
School: LBJ Early College High School
Grade: 12th Grade
Career Interest: Undecided
Trinity is a confident and motivated young leader who believes in the power of teamwork, continuous learning, and using her voice to uplift others. As a Youth of the Year candidate, she hopes to inspire her peers to build confidence and speak up for the changes they want to see.
For Trinity, leadership is about more than taking charge—it’s about listening, valuing others’ opinions, and creating space for collaboration. She has strengthened these skills through volunteering at the LBJ High School café and as an office aid, balancing school responsibilities, sports, and work while developing flexibility, focus, and time management.
“The friendships I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned go beyond the walls of the Club and into my everyday life. These relationships remind me that community is built on trust, encouragement, and lifting one another up.”
Trinity is actively pursuing her future as a changemaker. As a Keystone member at Boys & Girls Clubs, she led a project on mental health, identifying gaps in cyberbullying prevention and resources for students. She also channels her leadership and discipline as captain of her cheerleading team, while participating in basketball, track and field, and band—demonstrating resilience, collaboration, and dedication in every endeavor.
Heidi R.
LBJ High Boys & Girls Club
Length of Club Membership: 1.5 years
School: LBJ Early College High School
Grade: 11th Grade
Career Interest: Digital Business and Marketing
Heidi is a passionate and driven leader with a clear purpose: to use her voice to uplift others, advocate for equal opportunities, and inspire her peers to pursue their dreams. As a Youth of the Year candidate, she hopes to be a catalyst for change—promoting leadership, unity, and growth among today’s youth. Her vision is rooted in resilience and integrity, and she believes every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Heidi’s leadership extends across both her school and community. A former volleyball player and current captain of her high school dance team, she energizes her peers through performances at pep rallies and leads school announcements, honing her public speaking and organizational skills. These experiences, combined with her mentorship and community service, allow her to empower others to take ownership of their futures while giving back.
“The relationships I have developed with both staff and students have taught me that leadership, respect, and community come from embracing diversity and supporting one another. Every day, I leave the Club feeling inspired to grow, give back, and continue on my journey with confidence.”
Guided by empathy, accountability, and initiative, Heidi has built strong skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. She combines her leadership with aspirations to study Digital Business and Marketing in college, aiming to create innovative, community-driven solutions for the future.
Since 1947, Youth of the Year (YOY) has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership program, celebrating the achievements of outstanding Club teens. To enhance this legacy, Boys & Girls Clubs helps candidates develop essential leadership skills in self-awareness, communication, and community involvement. This program provides youth with the tools they need to succeed in life, work, and education, while offering opportunities to compete at the local, state, regional, and national levels. These awards recognize and honor our brightest members who embody the values we cherish.
