Celebrating the Achievements of Outstanding Youth Leaders

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Three extraordinary young leaders took center stage as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida hosted an unforgettable 2025 Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony, presented by Crowley. These inspiring individuals, chosen from across the organization’s 59 Clubs, were celebrated for their resilience, leadership, and dedication to their communities. The evening also featured a stunning art exhibit, showcasing the creative talents of Club youth and highlighting the life-changing impact of Boys & Girls Clubs programs.

The evening was a true celebration of leadership, academic excellence, and artistic expression. Congratulations to the 2025 Youth of the Year winners!

  • Ariel S. – Elementary School Youth of the Year

  • Kynnedi B. – Middle School Youth of the Year

  • Caleb R. – High School Youth of the Year

These outstanding young leaders embody the mission and values of Boys & Girls Clubs. “This event is a testament to the incredible young people we serve every day,” said President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Paul Martinez. “Seeing their hard work recognized, their voices amplified, and their talents celebrated is what Boys & Girls Clubs is all about. Congratulations to our winners, nominees, and every young person who stepped up to share their story. The future is bright because of them.”

More than 300 guests joined 50 nominated Club kids and teens at the 2025 Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony, presented by Crowley, which was emceed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2024 National Youth of the Year, Nico F. Nico, who began his journey as Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida’s Youth of the Year. As National Youth of the Year, Nico had the extraordinary privilege of meeting former President Joe Biden in the Oval Office at the White House, representing Boys & Girls Clubs members nationwide. Vic Micolucci, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Strategic Communications Executive, served as cohost.

The Youth of the Year Awards Ceremony is the first step in the journey toward the national title. Local Clubs nominate up to three candidates in elementary, middle, and high school categories, and finalists are selected through a rigorous process that includes public speaking, personal essays, and panel interviews.

This year’s event also featured an art exhibit, showcasing pieces from Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida’s first juried art exhibition, recently hosted at Fort Caroline Middle School, an art magnet school that collaborates with the Club. This initiative highlights how art can build self-esteem, encourage personal expression, and transform lives.

For more information, visit www.bgcnf.org.

PHOTO EDITORS: photo attached for use President/CEO BGCNL Paul Martinez, YOY Winners Ariel S. – Elementary School Youth of the Year, Kynnedi B. – Middle School Youth of the Year, Caleb R. – High School Youth of the Year.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida

For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 59 Clubs serve more than 5,500 young people each day in Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: character and leadership, education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation. In a Harris Survey of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org