Boys & Girls Clubs and the Youth of the Year program teaches teens the skills to be successful and how to turn dreams into realities.
About the Program
The Arizona State Youth of the Year celebration honors the remarkable Club teens from across Arizona who have been selected as their organizations’ Youth of the Year (YOY) representatives. Each YOY candidate previously competed within their organization and was selected to advance to the State Youth of the Year competition based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, community involvement, and perseverance.
This year, we once again will honor a group of young people from across Arizona who exemplify these strong character attributes.
Special Thanks to the Arizona State Youth of the Year Sponsors!
Meet Our 2026 State Youth of the Year Winners
Aurora A. | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Aurora is a 16-year-old member of the Chandler Compadres Boys & Girls Club and a junior at Perry High School. Her journey reflects resilience and growth, as she has developed into a thoughtful leader who uplifts others.
She serves as Keystone President and leads service projects, including food, toy, and hygiene drives. Aurora is also a member of the National Honor Society and secretary of her school’s French Club. Through her AZYouthforce internship, she gained valuable work experience. She plans to pursue a career in law at Arizona State University or the University of Washington.
The Club has helped Aurora build confidence and turn challenges into purpose. She now uses her voice to inspire and advocate for others.
Aria W. | Luke Air Force Base
Aria is a 15-year-old and a member of the Luke Air Force Base Youth Program and a 9th grader at The Odyssey Institute High School. She serves as President of the Keystone Club, where she leads projects such as animal-supply donation drives and a vegetable garden, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to service. Aria was named the 2026 Luke AFB Military Youth of the Year, an honor that recognizes her hard work, service, and dedication.
Being part of the Youth Program has helped Aria grow and discover her potential. On April 14, she will represent Luke Air Force Base at the state-level competition for Arizona’s Military Youth of the Year, continuing to build on her leadership experience.
After high school, Aria hopes to attend the University of Arizona to become a veterinarian, combining her love for animals with her passion for leadership and helping others.
Meet Our 2026 State Youth of the Year Finalists
Anthony D. | Boys & Girls Clubs of Sierra Vista
Anthony, age 16, is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista and a junior at Buena High School. Through his time at the Club, he has developed a strong sense of responsibility, a positive attitude, and a genuine care for others.
He enjoys football, baseball, and cooking, and has explored these interests through programs like Passport to Manhood and Be a Chef, building teamwork and life skills. Anthony plans to attend Northern Arizona University to pursue a degree in business.
Through the Junior Staff program, he has learned the importance of giving back and being a role model. The Club has helped him build confidence and prepare for future success.
Aubrianna L. | Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
At 17 years old, Aubrianna is a 10-year member of the Roy Drachman Boys & Girls Club, where she has grown into a confident and compassionate leader. A senior at Sunnyside High School, she is known for being outgoing, outspoken, and respectful, and serves as a positive role model by mentoring younger members.
Aubrianna has participated in Club programs such as Smart Girls, Keystone, and Career Launch, developing strong leadership skills. She currently serves as Keystone President, has worked as a summer Club intern, and was named Youth of the Year runner-up in 2021–2022. She plans to attend the University of Arizona to pursue a degree in education.
The Club has helped Aubrianna find her voice and step into leadership. Guided by her motto, “Always remember to live, laugh, and love,” she strives to make a lasting impact in her community.
Brody P. | Davis-Monthan Youth Center
Seventeen-year-old Brody is an 8-year member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Center and a senior at Innovation Tech High School. As a military-connected teen, he has built strong relationships and leadership skills through his time at the Club.
Brody is exploring future opportunities, including attending the University of Arizona and pursuing a career as a chef. His interests reflect both creativity and ambition.
The Youth Center has helped him find his path and discover his own leadership skills, providing a strong foundation as he prepares for his future.
Chellena C. | Boys & Girls Clubs of Flagstaff
Chellena is a 17-year-old and a 3-year member of the T’iisyaakin Residential Dorm Extension Site at the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff. A senior at Holbrook High School, Chen is an ambitious and creative leader who stays actively involved in both her academics and school community while also contributing over 30 hours of community service this year.
Chen demonstrates leadership across multiple areas, including band, theatre, and student organizations. She helps lead band rehearsals, serves as a peer liaison, and shares her choreography skills with fellow students. As Yearbook President, she uses her creativity to design layouts that capture the spirit of her school. She also contributes as a member of the theatre sound booth team.
Chen plans to attend Eastern Arizona College to pursue music studies and become a music teacher. Through her experiences at the Club, she has gained confidence and a broader vision for her future, inspiring her to share her passion for music with others.
Sinai A. | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community
An 11-year member of the Komatke Branch, Sinai is a junior at Betty Fairfax High School known for her resilience, compassion, and leadership. She continues to make an impact at her Club and in her community.
Sinai serves as Vice President of Keystone and participates in the Think, Learn & Create Change program. She has represented her community at the UNITY Conference and in Washington, D.C., advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. She was also one of four nationwide youth selected to attend the Super Bowl through the NFL Inspire Change Challenge. She plans to attend the University of Arizona to become a pediatrician.
The Club has strengthened Sinai’s leadership and sense of purpose, inspiring her to continue serving and advocating for others.
Daniela S. | Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Daniela is an 18-year-old and an 11-year member of the Hartley & Ruth Barker Boys & Girls Club, where she found stability, confidence, and purpose. A senior at Arcadia High School, she has grown into a resilient and service-driven leader who is dedicated to helping others.
Daniela has served as Keystone President for the past two years and was selected as a panelist at the National Keystone Conference in Chicago, where she spoke on teen mental health issues. She is also enrolled at Scottsdale Community College through the ACE program, a college preparation initiative that allows high school students to complete prerequisite college courses. Daniela plans to attend Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University, to pursue a career as a registered nurse.
The Boys & Girls Club has played a defining role in Daniela’s journey, shaping her character and strengthening her belief in herself. She is committed to uplifting others and making a meaningful impact in her community.