2022 Youth of the Year Experience

What is Youth of the Year?

At our annual Youth of the Year Gala, we shine the spotlight on our young members who have taken advantage of the opportunities provided through our Clubs to fuel the drive within themselves to achieve Great Futures.

Youth of the Year is a character and leadership program that recognizes Club members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. The competition is open to all Boys & Girls Club members age 14-18, and each Club honors one outstanding member to represent them at the annual Youth of the Year Fundraising Gala.

Last year, thousands of supporters witnessed the power of our transformative Youth of the Year program, as our amazing teens inspired us all with their leadership, poise, and moving stories for the first time via Livestream Experience. The more than $688,000 raised through the event has helped to fund our ongoing character and leadership programs at our Metro Atlanta Clubs.

Make plans to join us for this inspiring evening on Friday, November 11, 2022 at The Coca-Cola Roxy!

Meet Last Year's Winner!

2021/2022 Youth of the Year Regina Martinez

"I want all of you guys to know that despite where you come from, your background, your age or anything, nothing can stop you from being who you are"

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is honored to announce that Regina Martinez of the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club has been selected as BGCMA's 2021-2022 Youth of the Year-BGCMA's highest honor, recognizing teens from Clubs in the metro Atlanta area who are working hard, investing in themselves, and demonstrating leadership in their schools, communities, Clubs, and career pursuits.

This year, 15 inspiring teens from Boys & Girls Club locations throughout Metro Atlanta participated in the 2021 Youth of the Year Gala on Friday, Nov. 12. Themed "Breakthrough Stars," the event raised $930,000 and featured live entertainment, remarks from community leaders, and dynamic speeches from YOY finalists. As the culminating moment, Regina was announced as BGCMA's Youth of the Year for 2021-2022. Elias Dennis, a sophomore at Elite Scholars Academy who represented the Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club in Clayton County, was named runner up.

"We are so proud of all of our candidates and excited to welcome Regina as Youth of the Year for Metro Atlanta," said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. "It gives me such hope to see kids and teens like Regina with a strong vision toward the future using their voice to strengthen their communities and the world."

A 16-year-old senior at Duluth High School, Regina has been a proud member of the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club in Gwinnett County since 2017. Her proud Mexican roots and story of triumph have fueled her ambitious zest for life and success. Regina has not allowed life circumstances to hinder her from obtaining internships, leadership roles within her Club and ultimately becoming the Youth of the Year for BGCMA. Regina's love for science and mathematics have driven her career aspirations to become a biomedical engineer and build prosthetics and medical equipment. As BGCMA's Youth of the Year, Regina was awarded a $3,000 college scholarship; in the spring of 2022, she will represent Metro Atlanta as Youth of the Year at the statewide competition.

"I want all of you guys to know that despite where you come from, your background, your age or anything, nothing can stop you from being who you are," said Regina shortly after being named Youth of the Year. "Remember that the most important thing is your voice. The world deserves to hear your story, what you've been through and where you are now."