Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year program has celebrated the inspirational journeys of teens across the nation since 1947. National Youth of the Year is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a young person, representing the voice of more than 4 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs. Teens are encouraged to compete for the title through local, state, regional, and national competitions. 

Jorge Hernandez-Perez, Club member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, was one of six finalists during the National event. He competed against five other youth leaders representing the Pacific, Southwest, Northeast, and Midwest regions, as well as the National Military Youth of the Year. Jorge won Florida Youth of the Year in April and then the Southeast Regional Youth of the Year title later in June. After 6 months of preparation, on September 21, 2021, Jorge competed for the National Youth of the Year title. Northeast Regional Youth of the Year, Brianna P., won the National title, but Jorge will continue to represent Boys & Girls Clubs of America as the Southeast Regional Youth of Year.  Jorge was awarded a $20,000 scholarship towards his education when he won Southeast Regional Youth of the Year.

Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs