Celebrating 75 Years
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.
The Youth of the Year program debuts and teen Daryl Koch takes the inaugural title.
Perry Ludy becomes first Black National Youth of the Year.
Kelly Zimmerman becomes first woman to be named National Youth of the Year.
Lawanda Jones becomes first Black woman to be named National Youth of the Year.
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.
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.
RaShaan Allen named first National Military Youth of the Year, representing Club kids on military installations worldwide.
Girl power! For the first time, all National Youth of the Year finalists were women.
At age 15, Arianna Skinner becomes the youngest finalist to be named National Military Youth of the Year.
Due to the pandemic, for the first time ever, Youth of the Year was held went virtually virtual.
For the first time, all National Military Youth of the Year finalists were women.
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.
