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Boys and Girls Clubs to hold Youth of the Year competition
Three teen candidates will compete for the organization's highest honor next week in Benton Harbor.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan will hold its 2026 Youth of the Year competition next Wednesday, February 25 at the Joel E. Smilow Teen Center in Benton Harbor. Three teen candidates will compete for the organization's top recognition, which is based on leadership, academic achievement, service, character, and public speaking.
Why it matters
The Youth of the Year competition celebrates the accomplishments of exceptional young people involved with Boys & Girls Clubs, highlighting their positive impact on their communities. The winner will go on to compete at the state level, showcasing the talent and potential of youth in the region.
The details
The event, themed 'A Night of Honor, a Future of Impact,' will feature speeches from the finalists and celebrate their accomplishments before a panel of judges, family members, and community leaders. Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's top recognition program, and the local event is sponsored by the Indiana Michigan Power Foundation.
- The competition will be held on February 25, 2026.
- The winner will go on to compete at the Michigan Youth of the Year competition this spring.
The players
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan
A local chapter of the national Boys & Girls Clubs organization that provides youth development programs and services in the Southwest Michigan region.
Joel E. Smilow Teen Center
A Boys & Girls Clubs facility located in Benton Harbor, Michigan that will host the 2026 Youth of the Year competition.
Indiana Michigan Power Foundation
The sponsor of the local Youth of the Year competition in Benton Harbor.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The national organization that oversees the Youth of the Year program, which is its top recognition for youth members.
What’s next
The winner of the local competition will go on to compete at the Michigan Youth of the Year competition this spring.
The takeaway
The Youth of the Year competition highlights the positive impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on young people in the community, showcasing their leadership, academic achievement, and character development.
