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Boys & Girls Clubs to Host 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration
Three outstanding teens to compete for top honor at annual event in Benton Harbor
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan will host its 2026 Youth of the Year competition on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Joel E. Smilow Teen Center in Benton Harbor. Three exceptional teen candidates will vie for the organization's highest honor, which recognizes leadership, academic achievement, service, and character.
Why it matters
The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition initiative, celebrating young people who exemplify the organization's core values and serve as inspirational role models for their peers. The local event in Benton Harbor shines a spotlight on the positive impact the club has on youth in the community.
The details
At the 2026 Youth of the Year event, the three candidates will participate in interviews and deliver speeches before a panel of judges and an audience of family, supporters, and community leaders. The selected Youth of the Year will go on to represent Greater Southwest Michigan at the Michigan Youth of the Year competition later this spring.
- The 2026 Youth of the Year competition will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
- Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and the event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The players
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan
A nonprofit organization that provides a safe and nurturing environment for youth, offering educational, recreational, and character-building programs.
Joel E. Smilow Teen Center
A community center in Benton Harbor, Michigan, that serves as the host venue for the 2026 Youth of the Year competition.
Indiana Michigan Power Foundation
The sponsor of the 2026 Youth of the Year event in Benton Harbor.
Raymond James
The national presenter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year program.
What’s next
The selected 2026 Youth of the Year will go on to represent Greater Southwest Michigan at the Michigan Youth of the Year competition later this spring.
The takeaway
The 2026 Youth of the Year competition in Benton Harbor showcases the exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and character of local teens who are making a positive impact in their community through the Boys & Girls Clubs. The event celebrates the organization's mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential.
