Some of the Midwest’s brightest young leaders took center stage at Theater on the Lake on Thursday June 25, as Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrated its annual Midwest Youth of the Year event, recognizing teens whose leadership, academic achievement, community service and resilience are helping shape the future of their communities.
Hosted by ESPN sports commentator Michael Eaves, the evening brought together business leaders, community advocates, alumni, and supporters to honor four outstanding finalists while raising more than $900,000 to support the next generation of youth leaders across the Midwest.
The night’s highest honor was awarded to Brook’lynn H. of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, who was named the 2026 Midwest Youth of the Year and received a $20,000 scholarship.
“The Boys & Girls Club has truly been my second home for the last 13 years,” said Hughes.
“It’s where I found love, support and opportunities that shaped who I am today. It taught me that education comes first and inspired my passion for advocacy. Everything I’m pursuing started there. My dream is to become a family and civil rights attorney so I can speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. The Boys & Girls Club showed me what was possible, and I’ll always be grateful for that foundation.”
Fatimazahra E. of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Minot Air Force Base Youth Program was named the 2026 Midwest Military Youth of the Year, also receiving a $20,000 scholarship for her leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to serving others.
“Being a military child means you’re constantly moving and starting over, but I’ve learned to see every new place as a new opportunity instead of a setback,” said Fatimazahra.
“The Boys & Girls Club Youth Center gave me a sense of community no matter where my family was stationed. It opened doors I never imagined and gave me experiences that helped shape who I am. After high school, I hope to attend Harvard, study neuroscience, and aerospace engineering, earn my medical degree, and eventually become an astronaut. I also want to represent young people from military families and show them that no matter where life takes you, your dreams can take you even farther.”
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition initiative, celebrating exceptional Club members who demonstrate leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles while serving as role models for young people across the country.
The celebration featured inspiring personal stories from each of the teen finalists, illustrating how Boys & Girls Clubs have provided mentorship, opportunity and safe spaces that helped them overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
“Tonight is very special because it is our Midwest Region Youth of the Year celebration,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Thirteen states compete in the Midwest, and one young person will earn the title of Midwest Youth of the Year, along with one Midwest Military Youth of the Year.”
Clark emphasized that the program extends far beyond competition.
“It’s a year-round leadership and service program,” Clark said. “It gives young people the opportunity to learn what leadership really means and the importance of giving back through community and neighborhood service.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission is to prepare young people for successful futures.
“Our job is to create great futures for young people and put them on a pathway to success,” Clark said. “Whether they go to college, technical school or the military, our goal is to make sure they are able to earn a family-supporting income when they become adults.”
When asked what advice he would give his 14-year-old self, Clark offered a simple message: “Follow your dreams. They won’t let you down, and don’t give up.”
Clark also shared his appreciation for Chicago.
“I love Chicago,” Clark said. “I have a sister who lives here, so I visit once in a while. I grew up the road in Milwaukee, so I’m very familiar with Chicago. For a big city in the United States, this is the best one.”
Special guests included Juan Luciano, CEO of ADM and recipient of the Champion of the Youth Award; Paul Shoukry, CEO of Raymond James; and former Midwest Youth of the Year recipients Brianna C., Avaley M. and Marcus S., who returned to encourage the next generation of leaders.
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized the lasting impact of investing in young people and providing them with opportunities to grow into confident, compassionate, and successful adults.
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has provided safe spaces where children and teens can learn, build meaningful relationships and develop the skills needed to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Today, more than 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people across the United States and on military installations worldwide.
As the evening shifted, the applause was not only for the scholarship recipients but for every young person and family whose determination, resilience and leadership reflected the promise of the future. Their stories served as a reminder that when communities invest in youth, they invest in tomorrow’s leaders.
For more information visit https://www.bgca.org/
