Staff Reports | Community Updates
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale has selected six teens as finalists for its 2026 Youth of the Year program, with one finalist representing each participating branch.
Nineteen teens from six club locations took part in the selection process, which evaluated academic performance, leadership, service and personal development, according to a press release.
Youth of the Year is the highest recognition a Boys & Girls Club member can receive, recognizing leadership, character and commitment to education. The following finalists advanced to the organization‑wide competition:
- Amelia, 17, Vestar Branch (Desert Ridge), senior, Pinnacle High School
- Bella, 15, Virginia G. Piper Branch (Scottsdale Ranch), sophomore, Desert Mountain High School
- Daniela, 17, Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch (South Scottsdale), senior, Arcadia High School
- Faith, 14, Red Mountain Branch (SRPMIC – Ske:g Him Dag Ki), freshman, Saguaro High School
- Natalie, 16, Thunderbirds Branch (Grayhawk Community), sophomore, Horizon High School
- Willow, 16, Lehi Branch (SRPMIC – Lehi Community Center), sophomore, Mountain View High School
Finalists earned top scores among candidates at their respective branches following a three‑minute prepared speech, a panel interview and written essays highlighting academic achievement, personal growth and community involvement.
Volunteer judges from business, civic, philanthropic and education sectors evaluated the candidates. Judges included Tad Crother; Rebecca Fowler; MaryAnn McAllen; Ramon Moran; Tracy Stull; Bernadette Thies; John Acedo; Matthew Benjamin; Jenna Kohl; Janyse Salinas; and Ora Zutler.
“The dedication and heart these teens poured into their speeches and interviews was extraordinary,” Mr. Gilreath said. “Their stories show exactly why we do this work—and why investing in youth leadership today shapes the future of our communities,” said Ivan Gilreath, president and chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.
The finalists will continue preparation through the next phase of judging, focusing on speech refinement, interview practice and leadership development.
The 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth of the Year will be announced Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Celebrate Youth Gala: An Evening With All Stars at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. The winner will advance to the state competition.
