The stage is set, and four exceptional young leaders are one step closer to earning the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can achieve.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) proudly announces the four finalists for its prestigious 2026-27 Youth of the Year competition. The finalists will take center stage at the annual Great Futures Gala on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, where one will be named Youth of the Year.
The 2026-27 Youth of the Year finalists are:
- Toritseju A. — Teen Center of Excellence / St. Louis Internship Program
- Legacy J. — Teen Center of Excellence / St. Louis Internship Program
- Leon N. — Teen Center of Excellence / St. Louis Internship Program
- Lakshita R. — Teen Center of Excellence / St. Louis Internship Program
The four finalists emerged from a competitive field of 10 outstanding teens who demonstrated courage, determination and leadership throughout the selection process.
Each candidate was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges using an equally weighted scoring system that assessed their essays, interviews, speeches, academic excellence, community service and Club experience.
“This year’s candidates represent the very best of what Boys & Girls Clubs is all about — young people who are discovering their voices, embracing leadership and preparing to make a difference in the world,” said Brandon Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. “Every one of these teens is already a success story, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”
The competition also recognized six remarkable candidates who completed the process: Aliyah P., Caleb S., Jaylin S., Karter A., Makenzie S. and Marley S.
This year’s Great Futures Gala celebrates the power of opportunity, mentorship and the transformative impact of the Club experience. During the evening, the four finalists will share their personal journeys, challenges and aspirations before the 2026-27 Youth of the Year is announced.
The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a vehicle courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive, while the remaining finalists will receive scholarships in recognition of their achievements.
The Great Futures Gala is BGCSTL’s signature fundraising event, supporting programs and opportunities that help thousands of young people throughout the bi-state region build great futures.
For more information about the Great Futures Gala and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, visit bgcstl.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis:
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. BGCSTL provides after-school, teen, sports and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State Region while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs serve youth across the region at six locations, including (Adams Park Club, Bethalto Club, Hazelwood Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, and the Teen Center of Excellence). We also operate Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Pro
