The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven is proud to celebrate one of its most meaningful and longstanding traditions: Youth of the Year.
Now in its 77th year, Youth of the Year is the highest honor a teen can receive within the Boys & Girls Club movement. This national program recognizes young people who demonstrate outstanding character, academic success, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. More than an award, it is a comprehensive leadership development experience designed to prepare teens for life beyond the Club.
At this year’s celebration on March 24, we had the privilege of honoring four remarkable young leaders who represent the strength, resilience, and potential of youth across our Clubhouses.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Nicolina C. – Ulbrich-Wallingford Clubhouse
Junior | Aspiring to attend UMass Amherst | Future Veterinarian | 9 years at the Club
Yusra A. – Ulbrich-North Haven Clubhouse
Senior | Attending Quinnipiac University | Aspiring Pediatrician | 1 year at the Club
Blaize D. – New Haven Clubhouse
Senior | Attending Central Connecticut State University | Aspiring Nurse | 13 years at the Club
Jachelle P. – Ulbrich-Wallingford Clubhouse
Junior | Aspiring to attend University of California | Future Carpenter | 9 years at the Club
Each of these teens brought their unique voice, story, and vision for the future to the stage—sharing powerful reflections on their journeys, challenges, and aspirations.
A Leadership Journey, Not Just an Award
Participants in Youth of the Year engage in a series of workshops and training sessions focused on professional and personal growth. These include resume and cover letter development, leadership and community impact branding, essay and speech writing, public speaking, interview preparation, and full mock interview simulations. Through this process, teens build confidence, refine their voice, and develop skills that will support them in college, careers, and beyond. Teens are then judged based on their applications, including headshots, multiple essays, a resume, cover letters, interviews, and a speech about their story.
The program also highlights the creativity and culture of each Club. Candidates share personal speeches that reflect their journeys, challenges, and aspirations, alongside performances and presentations that showcase talent across dance, art, music, and more.
Introducing Our 2026 Youth of the Year
This year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven is proud to recognize Blaize Dowdy as its 2026 Youth of the Year, receiving a $1000 scholarship for his education.
Blaize has been a part of the Boys & Girls Club community for over 13 years, growing from a young member into a leader within the organization. In addition to his involvement as a Club member, he has served as a counselor, helping to mentor and guide younger youth.
He has excelled academically, earning a 3.9 weighted GPA, and will attend Central Connecticut State University this fall, where he plans to study nursing. His goal is to pursue a career centered on helping and supporting others. Blaize is also an accomplished athlete, earning multiple First-Team All-Conference honors in track.
As the local Youth of the Year, Blaize will represent Greater New Haven at the Connecticut State Youth of the Year competition. The event will take place on May 7th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Trumbull Marriott Shelton in Shelton, Connecticut. There, he will join representatives from 12 other Clubs across the state, with the opportunity to advance to regional and national levels of the competition.
A National Platform for Opportunity
Youth of the Year is a national program organized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with participants progressing through local, state, regional, and national stages. Along the way, teens have access to scholarship opportunities that support their educational goals. Each year, approximately 94 participants nationwide are awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. State winners receive $2,500, regional winners receive $20,000, and the National Youth of the Year receives a $50,000 scholarship.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our 2026 Youth of the Year celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners, who invest in the leadership and potential of our youth.
Your support helps make programs like Youth of the Year possible—creating opportunities for young people to grow, lead, and succeed.
Help Build More Stories Like This
Through programs like Youth of the Year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven continues to provide young people with opportunities to grow, lead, and prepare for their futures.
We are proud to celebrate Blaize Dowdy and all of the young leaders who represent the impact and spirit of our Clubs.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their voice, build confidence, and pursue their goals.
Programs like Youth of the Year don’t happen by chance—they are made possible by a community of supporters who believe in what young people can achieve.
Your gift helps provide the mentorship, resources, and opportunities that make journeys like Blaize’s possible.
Donate today and invest in the next generation of leaders!