JACKSONVILLE - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is proud to announce that 18- year-old Caleb R., a standout member of the Ed White High School Club, has been named the Florida Youth of the Year. Caleb will represent the state at the Southeast Regional Youth of the Year competition in Atlanta, GA in June where he will compete against 12 inspiring candidates from across the region. A driven and compassionate leader, Caleb serves as President of the Keystone Leadership Club and is a graduating senior at Ed White High School – the same club that produced this year’s National Youth of the Year winner Nico F. This fall, Caleb will attend Clark Atlanta University, where he plans to major in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice, with aspirations of becoming a U.S. Attorney and advocating for justice and equity.

“Caleb exemplifies the spirit, strength, and leadership that Youth of the Year represents,” said Paul Martinez, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “His story is one of determination, character, and vision for the future. We’re proud to support him as he heads to Atlanta, and we know he will represent Florida with passion and pride.”

When asked about the honor, Caleb shared that “Winning Florida Youth of the Year is more than a title, it’s a platform to amplify voices like mine and inspire others to believe in their own potential. The Club has helped me grow into the leader I am today, and I’m excited to take that energy to the regional stage in Atlanta.” Please join us in congratulating Caleb on this incredible achievement and wishing him success as he takes the next step in his Youth of the Year journey!

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 5,200 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