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A Legacy of Youth Leaders, Change-makers and Role Models

For 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens – recognizing their commitment to outstanding leadership, service and excellence. 

The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for millions of young people served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year and all of America’s young people. 

Timeline AR

 
1947
Daryl Koch

The Youth of the Year program debuts and teen Daryl Koch takes the inaugural title.

 
1969
Perry Ludy and President Nixon

Perry Ludy becomes first Black National Youth of the Year.

 
1993
Kelly Zimmerman with President Clinton

Kelly Zimmerman becomes first woman to be named National Youth of the Year.

 
1994
Lawanda Jones

Lawanda Jones becomes first Black woman to be named National Youth of the Year.

 
2006
Stacey Walker

Stacey Walker starts a home run tradition, becoming the first National Youth of the Year to deliver a game ball to the mound during the World Series thanks to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s partnership with MLB.

 
2011
Nick Foley

Thanks to national partner Toyota, each National Youth of the Year is behind the wheel of their great future, with Nick Foley the first National Youth of the Year to receive a car.

 
2013
RaShaan Allen

RaShaan Allen named first National Military Youth of the Year, representing Club kids on military installations worldwide.

 
2014
National Youth of the Year finalists

Girl power! For the first time, all National Youth of the Year finalists were women.

 
2016
Arianna Skinner

At age 15, Arianna Skinner becomes the youngest finalist to be named National Military Youth of the Year.

 
2020
Jim Clark and NYOY

Due to the pandemic, for the first time ever, Youth of the Year was held went virtually virtual.

 
2022
National Military Youth of the Year finalists

For the first time, all National Military Youth of the Year finalists were women.

Did You Know?

U.S. Presidents

As the teen spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National Youth of the Year get the opportunity to meet the President of the United States. So far, Youth of the Year have met 13 U.S. Presidents.

Toyota

MLB Game Ball Memorable Moments

National Sponsors

Thanks to Toyota, Kohl’s and Mondelēz International for supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 75th Annual National Youth of the Year Gala. We are honored to have your continued commitment to helping youth reach their full potential.

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