FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 23, 2026

Media Inquiries:
Tyrell Scott
tscott@bgcseva.org
757-321-7078

Virginia Teen Wins Statewide Youth of the Year Title, Advances to Regional Competition

Virginia Beach, Va (date) – A Virginia high school student will represent the entire Commonwealth and Washington, D.C. on a regional stage after being named the 2026 Virginia/DC Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia announced.

Christian, who was first named the 2026 Southeast Virginia Youth of the Year, rose to the top among nine other outstanding teens from across Virginia and Washington, D.C., earning the title, a $5,000 scholarship, and the opportunity to represent Virginia and Washington, D.C. at the Southeast regional competition this June in Atlanta.

The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s highest honor, recognizing teens for leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

Christian was selected from a competitive field of teens representing communities across Virginia and Washington, D.C., following a rigorous judging process that evaluated essays, interviews and public speaking, as well as each candidate’s ability to articulate how the Club has shaped their lives.

For Christian, the recognition is deeply personal.

In his winning speech, he spoke candidly about growing up without a father and the responsibility he took on at a young age helping care for his mother during health challenges.

“Statistics may tell you what it’s like to grow up without a dad,” Christian said. “But they don’t tell you how that absence shapes your confidence. They don’t tell you about how to care for a mom making sure there are meals, hospital visits watching over her, and everything in between. They don’t tell you how quickly a child learns to adapt.”

That adaptation, he shared, often meant making himself “smaller” to feel safe until he found a different path at the Boys & Girls Club.

“The Club gave me stability, meals, trusted adults and a place where I felt seen,” he said. “Statistics measure numbers, not experience. The Boys & Girls Club gave me public speaking skills and self-confidence. It helped me see myself as someone who can contribute, advocate and create change.”

Christian now plans to pursue a career in social work, inspired by the mentors who supported him and the impact he hopes to have on other young people facing similar challenges.

He will represent Virginia and Washington, D.C. at the Southeast regional Youth of the Year competition in Atlanta, where he will compete for an additional $20,000 scholarship and the opportunity to advance to the National Youth of the Year event.

BGCSEVA encourages communities across Virginia to follow Christian’s journey and support youth development programs that help teens across the Commonwealth reach their full potential.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia provides safe, structured programs for youth ages 6 -18 after school and during the summer. Through supportive relationships, high-quality programming and a focus on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles, the organization helps young people build great futures.

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