Emelia Pendergraft named Washington State Youth of the Year

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington teen will represent the state at the regional competition.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:21pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated icon or logo of the Boys & Girls Clubs, rendered in a high-contrast, neon-infused pop art style that captures the celebratory spirit of Emelia Pendergraft's award.The vibrant recognition of Emelia Pendergraft's achievement as Washington State Youth of the Year celebrates the positive impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs on young people in the community.Vancouver Today

Emelia Pendergraft, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, has been named the Washington State Youth of the Year, the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can achieve at the state level. As the state winner, Emelia will go on to represent Washington at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition in Phoenix, Arizona.

Why it matters

The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier leadership recognition program for teens, honoring young people who exemplify academic success, strong character and citizenship, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. Emelia's achievement highlights the positive impact the Boys & Girls Clubs can have on young people in the community.

The details

Emelia is the first teen from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington to receive the prestigious Washington State Youth of the Year recognition. Each year, select teens advance through local and state competitions for the opportunity to represent their region and ultimately compete for the National Youth of the Year title.

  • Emelia was named the Washington State Youth of the Year in April 2026.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition will take place in May 2026.

The players

Emelia Pendergraft

A member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington who has been named the Washington State Youth of the Year, the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can achieve at the state level.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington

The local Boys & Girls Clubs organization that Emelia Pendergraft is a member of and which she will represent at the regional competition.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The national organization that runs the Youth of the Year program, which is its premier leadership recognition program for teens.

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What they’re saying

“Emelia leads with heart, courage and purpose. She consistently lifts up those around her and represents the very best of what it means to be a Club teen. We are so proud to see her recognized at the state level.”

— Mikaela McInroy, Marketing and communications manager at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington and one of Emelia's mentors

What’s next

Emelia will go on to represent Washington at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2026.

The takeaway

Emelia's achievement as the Washington State Youth of the Year highlights the positive impact the Boys & Girls Clubs can have on young people in the community, helping them develop leadership skills, strong character, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles.