The Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented its Youth of the Year awards June 11 during a ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium.
Enrique R.L. of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County in Florida was named the 2026 Southeast Youth of the Year, and Kate P. of the Boys & Girls Clubs at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia was named the 2026 Southeast Military Youth of the Year.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America does not publicly release the winners’ full last names to protect their privacy.
The event was hosted by ESPN reporter Jess Sims and featured appearances by former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, former NBA player John Wall and actress Eva Marcille. Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, also addressed attendees. The organization is headquartered in Atlanta.
The Youth of the Year program recognizes teens for leadership, academic achievement, healthy lifestyles and service to their communities.
Enrique graduated last month as valedictorian of Port St. Lucie High School and plans to attend the University of Florida this fall. According to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, he has advocated for immigrant youth and used his voice to inspire others facing similar challenges.
He plans to pursue a career in elementary education and said he is committed to creating “a future where all youth feel seen, valued and uplifted for being exactly who they are.”
Kate, a rising high school senior, plans to attend Florida State University. According to the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Facebook page, she has earned more than $20,000 in scholarships.
Kate hopes to become an electrical engineer and said the club helped her discover her voice as a leader.
“Through leadership opportunities, advocacy, and mentors who believed in me, I learned that my voice matters and that leadership is about kindness, empathy, and showing up for others,” she said.
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