Boys & Girls Clubs and the Youth of the Year program teach teens the skills to be successful and how to turn dreams into realities.
This year’s Arizona State Youth of the Year candidates are the leaders of the future and the future looks bright!
Meet the Arizona Youth of the Year 2023 candidates
2023 AZ Military Youth of the Year Winner
Camilla is a sophomore at Mica Mountain High School and has been a Club member for six years. At her AFB Youth Program, she has enjoyed participating in Torch Club, Keystone and 4-H. Additionally, she holds a 4.0 GPA and has played in a number of prestigious music ensembles like the Vail Youth Symphony and Southeast Regional Honor Band. In the future, Camilla plans to attend New York University to double-major in music and journalism.
2023 AZ State Youth of the Year Winner
A senior at Sunnyside High School, Hakima has been a member of the Roy Drachman Clubhouse for three years. She is a passionate maven for the arts and participates in HeARTWorks and art club. Her love of art has broadened her horizons— creating new art forms and infusing her schoolwork with a creative flair. Hakimaplans to attend Howard University after graduation to major in Education and Humanities. Open-minded, fearless, and with a zeal for life, Hakima credits her time at the Club with restoring hope in her future and intends to embrace her new outlook on life by uplifting other voices struggling in their current circumstances.
A junior at Mohave High School, Ryce has been attending the Club for more than 10 years. Ryce credits the Club with helping them break out of the shell they used to be in. They volunteer at the Club in hopes of one day becoming a staff member! Ryce aims to show people that there is no such thing as a victim – only survivors. After graduating high school, Ryce plans to attend Northern Arizona University.
Nila is a senior in high school and has been a Club member for over 10 years. As an online student at ASU Prep Digital, she Club is where Nila gets her social interaction. Before the pandemic, you could find her in the Teen Center or volunteering in the kitchen making wamichtha. During the pandemic, her passion for art grew and she currently serves as the Art Room Specialist at her Club! Nila is a survivor and advocates for the prioritization of mental health. She plans to attend Northern Arizona University in the fall to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.
Jaylin is a senior at Horizon High School and has been a Club member for eight years. She currently serves as her senior class treasurer and is an active member of her school’s Black Student Union. She credits the Club with giving her stability, security, and a home when she didn’t have one. With a dream of starting her own cosmetology business, she plans to study fashion and business at Arizona State University while also attending cosmetology school.
A sophomore at Berean Academy, Isaac has been a Club member for six years. He has a passion for football and music production. He recently became starting quarterback for his high school football team! Isaac has been greatly encouraged by his Boys & Girls Club’s staff to not be afraid of taking risks and giving his all. He plans to attend the University of Arizona on a football scholarship and ultimately play in the NFL.
Xitlalic is a senior at North High School and has been a Club member for five years. She loves the Club because it has given her the support and freedom to truly be herself, while thriving in the face of adversity. A dedicated teen, Xitlalic holds a job outside the Club and works nights and weekends to save money for school. She plans to attend Glendale Community College for two years before transferring to the University of Arizona. Xitlalicwill study criminal justice and pursue a career in law enforcement to help make her community better.
