Big news we’re really proud to share… Leah M., our Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego Youth of the Year, was named San Diego County Youth of the Year! 🎉. Now she’ll represent San Diego County at the state level in Sacramento (it’ll be her first time on a plane), with the chance to advance to the regional and national competitions.
Leah is a resilient and determined young leader who truly embodies the values of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego. Her journey reflects courage, growth, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Leah joined the Club in sixth grade after moving to a new school—and a new country. Although she did not yet speak English, she quickly immersed herself in Club life by joining robotics and cup stacking, volunteering in the snack shack, and confidently leading activities. Through perseverance and fearlessness, Leah rapidly developed her English skills while building meaningful connections with both peers and staff.
Initially hesitant to participate in the Youth of the Year program because she was self-conscious about her accent, Leah’s confidence flourished as she entered high school. Today, she maintains a 4.0 GPA and is an active member of her school’s soccer and volleyball teams, demonstrating discipline and dedication both academically and athletically.
With her poise, determination, and leadership, Leah is a positive role model and a truly deserving Youth of the Year honoree. She inspires others through her resilience and commitment to growth.
Leah shared this reflection during her speech:
“Although we moved under very stressful and unfortunate circumstances, I thank my mother for planting the seed of strength and resilience inside of me, my father for giving me the roots of hope, and the Boys & Girls Club for giving me the chance to not only survive, but to blossom.”
For more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens.
Read more about Leah’s journey here.
About Youth of the Year
Every year, we host our Youth of the Year Celebration, which acknowledges teens for their achievements in leadership, service, and academic excellence. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.