Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Announces 2025 Youth of the Year, Junior Youth of the Year
Hartford, Conn. (March 12, 2025): Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford has announced the local winners of the 2025 Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year competition. Youth of the Year is the highest honor presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It recognizes outstanding leaders who exemplify the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof of the impact Clubs have in transforming kids’ lives. They also serve as ambassadors for their fellow youth.
Emani L., a senior at South Windsor High School, was named the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. She has been a member of the Southwest Boys & Girls Club for the past six years. Emani credits her Club for giving her countless opportunities, helping her build lasting friendships and developing her strengths and talents. She dreams of owning her own business which gives back to the community and of one day becoming a published author.
Johanna R. was named the Junior Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. The Junior Youth of the Year program is for kids ages 10-13 and fosters their emerging leadership abilities while preparing them for later participation in the Youth of the Year Program. Johanna is a 6th grader at Connecticut River Academy Middle School and a member of the Southwest Boys & Girls Club. She is an avid reader, loves math and plays on the Club’s volleyball team. She says her time at the Club has taught her to not be afraid to stand up for herself and others.
Emani and Johanna were selected from the Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year contestants representing all five of Hartford’s traditional Clubs. Contestants were required to complete a series of essays, prepare a speech and interview with a panel of community-based judges.
Emani will now go on to represent Hartford in the statewide Youth of the Year competition to be held on May 1. The Connecticut winner will advance to the New England Region for a chance to compete in the national contest to be named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year. Both Emani and Johanna will be honored at the Great Futures Celebration on June 7. More information is available here.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford fill the gap between school and home, providing a welcoming and positive environment for thousands of youth each year. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens – putting them on a path to a great future. For more information, please visit bgchartford.org.