FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact: 

Tyrell Scott 

Marketing and Media Coordinator 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia 

tscott@bgcseva.org | 757-419-7975 

Virginia’s Christian Named Southeast Regional Runner-Up for Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Competition

Virginia Beach, VA — Christian, the 2026 Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia, earned Southeast Regional Runner-Up honors after representing Virginia and Washington D.C., in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Southeast Regional Youth of the Year competition.

Earlier this summer, Christian traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to compete against fellow Youth of the Year finalists from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Florida. The competition included public speaking, interviews and off-site experiences, including a visit to Papa John’s headquarters. The regional process gave candidates the opportunity to grow as leaders, connect with one another, and share the experiences that shaped them.

Following a long day of final judging, Christian was selected as one of the finalists and delivered his speech later that night before a crowd of hundreds at the Georgia Aquarium. Christian’s speech challenged the room to look past the numbers often used to define young people from communities like his, arguing that statistics can’t capture a person’s character, upbringing, or potential. The message earned a standing ovation from attendees.

Christian finished as the Southeast Regional Runner-Up, an honor that recognizes his leadership, resilience and ability to inspire others.

“Christian’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given encouragement, opportunity, and a platform to lead,” said Kevin Will, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia congratulates Christian on this remarkable achievement and celebrates the lasting impression he made in Atlanta.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia empowers young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.