Local Youth Leaders Named Finalists in Youth of the Year (YOY) Competition

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County hosted a powerful and moving Youth of the Year selection event on February 19 at its Spruce Street Clubhouse, celebrating eight extraordinary teens whose leadership, character, and vision represent the very best of Mercer County’s next generation.

Following a rigorous review of essays, interviews, and speeches, Davante G., a Lawrence High School senior, Mawatta K., a Trenton Central High Junior, and Serenity B., a Foundation Academy Collegiate Sophomore, were selected as the 2026 Youth of the Year finalists.

The three finalists will move on to the Club’s 6th Annual Great Futures Celebration on March 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Cobblestone Creek Country Club, where a live audience vote will determine who represents Mercer County at the New Jersey statewide Youth of the Year competition.

The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier teen recognition initiative, honoring young people who demonstrate academic excellence, strong character, leadership, and service.

The YOY competition was heartfelt and inspirational—a wonderful night of promise as candidates delivered compelling speeches, reflected on their growth, and shared how the Club helped shape their aspirations. Families, mentors, judges, and supporters filled the room to celebrate these young leaders who exemplify resilience, service, and determination.

Brian O. (Trenton Central High School), Jada R. (Foundation Academy Collegiate), Sonnor D. (Thrive Charter School), Souraiya (Ewing High School), and Faith M. (Ewing High School) also competed in this year’s selection process. Each exemplified the values of leadership, character, and service throughout the competition.

“At the Club, we see potential every day,” said Reginald J. Coleman, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County. “But on February 19, we witnessed courage in action. These young leaders stood before a room of adults and spoke with authenticity, confidence, and heart. That is what great futures look like.”

The March 5 Great Futures Celebration will not only determine this year’s Youth of the Year but will also support the Club’s mission to serve more than 1,500 youth across Mercer County through life-enhancing programs, mentorship, and leadership development. For tickets or more information, visit www.bgcmercer.org/greatfutures.

The Club extends its sincere appreciation to this year’s distinguished YOY judges, Mistilee Pasigos, Project Manager at Bloomberg, and Paryn A. Wallace, Ed.D., Associate Director of Science Outreach at Princeton University, who evaluated candidate essays, interviews, and speeches. Their thoughtful engagement and careful deliberation helped ensure a meaningful and rigorous selection process.

Meet the 2026 Youth of the Year Finalists

Each teen completed a comprehensive selection process that included essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, and formal speeches.

Davante G., 17
Lawrence High School | Senior | Club Member for 12 years
Career Interests: Nursing, Business & Finance
College Goals: Rowan University or TCNJ
“The BGC shaped who I am and prepared me for the future,” Davante shared.

Mawatta K., 16

Trenton Central High School | Junior | Club Member for 6 years
Career Interests: Pediatrics & Psychology
College Goals: Rowan University or Drexel University
“My experience at the club has afforded me a lot of supportive friendships and opportunities for the future,” Mawatta shared.

Serenity B., 16

Foundation Academy Collegiate | Sophomore | Club Member for 3 years
Career Interests: Writer/Author or Lawyer
College Goals: Howard University or Cornell University
Inspired by her favorite quote, “The sun will come out tomorrow,” Serenity hopes to use her voice to advocate for others and create meaningful change.

2026 Youth of the Year Competitors

Brian O., 16
Trenton Central High School | Junior | Club Member for 3 years
Career Interests: Engineering & FBI Agent
College Goals: Georgian Court University or Texas A&M
Brian credits the Club with providing “cool opportunities, such as Youth of the Year and Career Launch,” and helping him build strong relationships with mentors, guiding him toward the man he wants to become.

Faith M., 15
Ewing High School | Sophomore | Club Member for 4 years
Career Interests: Nursing or Medical Field
College Goals: NCAT or Spelman College
“The Club taught me, don’t wait for opportunities, create them,” Faith said.

Jada R., 17
Foundation Academy Collegiate | Senior | Club Member for 3 years
Career Interests: Teacher or Biologist
College Goals: Fairleigh Dickinson University or Mercer County Community College
Jada reflected that the Club helped her “come out of my shell” and build confidence.

Sonnor D., 15

Thrive Charter School | Sophomore | Club Member for 7 years
Interests: Law and Carpentry
College Goals: Rider University or Rutgers University
Guided by the belief that “Living was the first opportunity, so don’t waste it,” Sonnor plans to pursue a path that blends skill and leadership.

Souraiya, 15
Ewing High School | Sophomore | Club Member for 1 year
Career Interests: Pediatrics or Education
College Goals: TCNJ or Rutgers University
“In the end, the most important thing to me isn’t just who I am right now, but who I choose to be,” Souraiya shared.