Youth of the Year
Meet The 2026 Youth of the Year
Rebecca
Young Achievers Program
Rebecca has been a dedicated participant in the Young Achievers program for five years. Throughout her journey, she has found inspiration in her passion for mentoring others, particularly students with neurodivergence and other learning disabilities. These experiences have been pivotal in shaping her desire to pursue a career in the medical field as a pediatric physician assistant. Rebecca is driven by the goal of providing both physical and mental care to her patients and hopes to share her personal lessons and experiences to help others embrace their individuality and strengths.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio have played an instrumental role in helping Rebecca discover her passion and have helped shape her into a confident and self-assured leader. Inspired by the clubs’ influence, Rebecca created a peer mentorship group at her school that pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen based on academic needs and strengths.
In May, Rebecca will earn her associate degree alongside her high school diploma. After graduation, she plans to pursue a nursing degree at Palo Alto College before transferring to UT Health San Antonio to complete her bachelor’s degree and apply to physician assistant graduate programs.
“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving yourself and see what happens.”
Delilah
Mays Family Clubhouse
Delilah has been a member of the Mays Family Clubhouse for eight years and is currently a senior. She credits the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio with helping her discover her passion for community service through her involvement in Keystone Club. During her time as a club member, Delilah has volunteered with the Texas Diaper Bank, San Antonio Food Bank, and our youth sports program.
Beyond her volunteer work with Keystone Club, Delilah is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the manager of her school’s volleyball team. In her free time, she enjoys reading and crocheting.
After graduation, Delilah plans to major in biology. Following the completion of her bachelor’s degree, she aspires to attend pharmacy school and hopes to give back by serving the community she grew up in.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
– Mahatma Gandh
Shawn
Mays Family Clubhouse
Shawn has been a member of both the Calderon and Mays Family Clubhouses for six years and is currently a junior . Throughout his time at the Club, Shawn has built meaningful relationships with staff and fellow club members, helping him grow in self-confidence and find the courage to share his art. He has participated in the Alamo Trades Club, including attending Trades Discovery Day and AI Basics classes with Booz Allen. An incredibly talented artist, Shawn eagerly takes every opportunity to teach younger club members about different art techniques and styles.
Shawn is deeply passionate about mental health and creating safe spaces where his peers feel comfortable expressing themselves. He is well known across our clubs for welcoming new members and making sure they always have someone to talk to.
After graduation, Shawn plans to major in education and pursue a career as either a middle or high school teacher.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr
About the Youth of the Year Program
Youth of the Year is a five-month long leadership development program that celebrates the remarkable lives of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio members who have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances.
Finalists are chosen from their Clubhouse or School-Based Club based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, and perseverance. Each Youth of the Year nominee may receives a scholarship for college.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year winner is chosen by the Selection Committee on Selection Night. This process includes evaluating the nominees’ academic performance, personal statements, two references, assessing public speaking skills, and one-on-one interviews with candidates. Each Youth of the Year nominee receives a scholarship for college. The winner is named the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year and receives a significantly larger college scholarship and the opportunity to advance to Boys & Girls Clubs’ State of Texas Youth of the Year competition.
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Event Chair: Camilia Rocha Dickerson
Committee: John Cruz, Carolyn Gnam, James Goldberg, Jenni Haff, Dennis Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Cindy Stein, Brian Wessel
History of the Program
The Timeline
Youth of the Year participants engage in an intensive five-month leadership development program that includes public speaking, one-on-one mentorship, essay writing, and team-building experiences. Supported by our dedicated staff and volunteers, these young people grow into confident leaders, developing inspiring visions and meaningful goals for their futures.
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year Gala in February 2026, each participant will share their personal story with more than 350 BGCSA friends and supporters.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio Youth of the Year winner will advance to represent BGCSA at the Texas State competition, competing alongside other outstanding youth from across the region. Judging is based on public speaking skills, performance in a one-on-one interview, service to the Club, and academic and community achievements.
The History & Prestige
For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America. Inspiring all kids to lead. To succeed. To inspire.
Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports. For more information on the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org.