The Youth of the Year program celebrates Club Members aged 14-18 who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. This premier Boys & Girls Clubs of America initiative helps youth build critical life skills, such as essay writing, public speaking, and interviewing, with guidance from staff mentors. Participants gain valuable opportunities to present their stories to peers, the public, and community judges.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club Member can achieve. Winners at local, state, regional, and national levels earn scholarships, gain access to networking opportunities with civic and corporate leaders, and develop relationships with other young leaders. This program often transforms participants, providing them with skills, connections, and experiences that open doors to prestigious universities, internships, and career pathways.

Locally, Skagit County’s Youth of the Year candidates are selected through a rigorous process culminating in a countywide event. One representative advances to the state competition, with opportunities to earn scholarships and move on to regional and national levels.

Our commitment to an active Youth of the Year program requires significant investment, as the process involves individualized mentorship and development. However, the impact is profound, shaping teens into confident leaders ready to face any challenge and create lasting change in their communities.

When: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

Doors Open at 6:00 PM

Dinner Served at 6:30 PM

Program Begins at 7:00 PM

Where: The Skagit Casino Resort, 5984 Darrk Ln Bow, WA 98232 in the Pacific Showroom

 RSVP by Friday, January 23rd to ensure your spot!

Click here to learn about becoming a sponsor for our 2026 Youth of the Year program.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Thank you Cascade Natural Gas, for being our Torch sponsor of the 2026 Youth of the Year event!

Thank you Showcase Your Shine with Rebecca P. Murray and Skagit Transportation, for being our Program sponsors!