Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida Honors 3 Youth of the Year

The nonprofit celebrates its top young leaders from elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has named three exceptional young leaders as its 2026 Youth of the Year winners, including a high school student who will next compete for the state honor. The winners were recognized at a recent awards ceremony that featured appearances by former club members who have gone on to achieve success.

Why it matters

The Boys & Girls Clubs program aims to empower youth and help them develop into engaged, productive members of their communities. Highlighting these outstanding young leaders showcases the positive impact the organization has and inspires other youth to get involved and strive for excellence.

The details

The high school winner was Dajdriana B. from the Ed White High School club in Jacksonville, the middle school winner was Tyson J. from the Clanzel T. Brown club also in Jacksonville, and the elementary school winner was Eleanor T. from the Roberts Learning & Achievement Center club in Nassau County. Dajdriana will receive a $5,000 scholarship and go on to compete for the state Youth of the Year title.

  • The recent awards ceremony was held on February 11, 2026.

The players

Dajdriana B.

The high school winner from the Ed White High School club in Jacksonville.

Tyson J.

The middle school winner from the Clanzel T. Brown club in Jacksonville.

Eleanor T.

The elementary school winner from the Roberts Learning & Achievement Center club in Nassau County.

Paul Martinez

The president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida.

Nico Flowers

A former area clubs member who became the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 2024 National Youth of the Year.

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What they’re saying

“This event is a testament to the incredible young people we serve every day. Seeing their hard work recognized, their voices amplified and their talents celebrated is what Boys & Girls Clubs is all about. Congratulations to our winners, nominees and every young person who stepped up to share their story. The future is bright because of them.”

— Paul Martinez, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida (jacksonville.com)

What’s next

Dajdriana, the high school winner, will next compete for the state Youth of the Year honor.

The takeaway

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida's Youth of the Year program celebrates the achievements of exceptional young leaders, showcasing the positive impact the organization has on youth development and inspiring others to get involved and strive for excellence.