Boys & Girls Clubs of America Honors Jacksonville Teen During “National Youth of the Year” Celebration with Denzel Washington, Alex Rodriguez and Other Inspirational Alumni Stars
Nico F. rewarded with $50,000 Scholarship, a Toyota Corolla and an All-Expense-Paid Kohl’s Travel Experience
JACKSONVILLE,FL – September 19, 2024 – Nico F. of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has been honored as the 2024-2025 National Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America at this year's National Youth of the Year Celebration which took place in Atlanta on September 18. This prestigious honor celebrates Nico for his outstanding leadership, community involvement, and commitment to making a difference in their community.
The National Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's highest honor, awarded to one exceptional teen who exemplifies academic excellence, good character, and leadership. As the National Youth of the Year, Nico will serve as an ambassador for over 3 million youth across the nation who benefit from the life-enhancing programs and mentorship offered by Boys & Girls Clubs.
Nico’s journey to the National Youth of the Year title began at Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, where he has been a dedicated member for four years. During his time, Nico has embraced leadership roles by mentoring younger Club members, organizing community service projects and actively participating in programs that promote leadership and youth development.
Reflecting on his experience, Nico shared, “The Boys & Girls Club has shaped who I am today. Through the opportunities and mentorship provided, I have learned the importance of giving back and being a role model for others.”
For Nico, receiving this title is not only an incredible personal achievement but also a testament to the support and resources provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. As the National Youth of the Year, Nico will travel across the country, sharing his story and representing millions of Boys & Girls Club members. This title underscores the important role Boys & Girls Clubs can play in supporting great futures for young people.
"Nico’s journey is an inspiration to all of us,” said [BGCNF Club Director/Advisor]. “His dedication to his community and his passion for leadership have made him a standout member of our Club, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements.”
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition initiative. It celebrates outstanding teens who are committed to leadership, service, and academic excellence. Each year, millions of Boys & Girls Club members across the country participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events, culminating in the selection of the National Youth of the Year.
Nico plans to continue his studies in political science at Florida State University, with aspirations of becoming a motivational speaker and eventually a U.S. Congressman. With his new platform, Nico wants to continue advocating for equality for all, empowering young people to vote and ensuring that everyone has access to education and opportunity, regardless of their background. Nico’s ultimate goal is to open doors for future generations, just as Boys & Girls Clubs have done for him.
Toyota and Kohl’s, through Kohl’s Cares, are the Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year, sharing a dedication to providing great futures for young people. With this support, the National Youth of the Year will be awarded a brand-new Toyota Corolla and financial assistance to support the first-time car-owning experience. Kohl's will provide the National Youth of the Year with a $5,000 shopping experience, and a one-of-a-kind trip to the retailer's headquarters in Milwaukee where Nico will have the opportunity to participate in an upcoming Kohl's marketing campaign. Kohl’s also hosted an onsite gifting suite for the youth, which included celebrity appearances by NBA legend and analyst, Charles Barkley; former Atlanta Braves rightfielder, Jeff Francouer; R&B singer Shamari DeVoe; and comedic influencer, Funny Marco.
As a founding Life & Workforce Readiness partner, Toyota is committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work, as well as providing local Club members with the opportunity to receive scholarships to support them on their path towards a great future. Kohl’s, through Kohl's Cares, is committed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America by empowering local Clubs to provide staff with training and curriculum updates focused on trauma-informed care to strengthen mental health and wellbeing practices that kids and teens need to build great futures. The partnership has elevated social and emotional wellness, making it an even greater focus of the Youth of the Year curriculum and experience for everyone involved.
This year’s National Youth of the Year celebration is also made possible through the support of Blue Door Sponsor Truist Financial Corporation, Diamond Sponsors The Coca-Cola Company and Invesco, Platinum Sponsors Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED and Delta Air Lines, and Sapphire Sponsors RaceTrac and Verizon.
Thanks to WSB-TV for serving as the official media partner for Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2024 National Youth of the Year celebration. Additional photos can be downloaded here.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X.