PROUD TITLE SPONSOR
Breakfast Program
8:30am Breakfast
9:00am Breakfast Program Featuring Sydney Franks 2024 Arizona State Youth of the Year
The 2025 Arizona State Youth of the Year candidates
9:40am Keynote
Latasha Causey President, Phoenix Raceway and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Board of Directors
9:50am Youth of the Year Announcement
Kristina Chumpol
Chief of Staff & Vice President of Community Investment, Fiesta Sports Foundation
10:00am Closing & Photos
Arizona State Youth of the Year
The Arizona State Youth of the Year celebration honors the remarkable Club teens from across Arizona who have been selected as their organizations’ Youth of the Year (YOY) representatives. Each YOY candidate previously competed within their organization and was selected to advance to the State Youth of the Year competition based on their tenure as a Club member, strong academic standing, strength of character, community involvement, and perseverance.
The Arizona State Youth of the Year celebration showcases how these YOYs have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances with the support of their Clubs.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear their inspiring stories and celebrate the accomplishments of these Club members, staff, and the people who have guided them along the way.
Today we will name our 2025 Arizona State Youth of the Year, who will advance to represent Arizona in the Pacific Region competition with the ultimate goal to take on the National Youth of the Year contest.
2024 Arizona State Youth of the Year Update
Sydney’s journey began at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s Thunderbirds Branch when she was just seven years old. For ten years, the Club was her second home – a place where she found her voice, built lifelong friendships, and emerged as a leader, advocate, and inspiration to her peers. She credits the Club with bringing mentors into her life who believed in her and pushed her to dream big.
Last summer, Sydney traveled to Beverly Hills to represent Arizona in the Pacific Region Youth of the Year competition. Shortly after, she began her freshman year at the University of Utah. She’s an active member of the university’s powerlifting club and proudly holds a 4.0 GPA. She will graduate early in spring 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Psychology.
Congratulations, Sydney!
Sydney Franks
Swire Coca- Cola, your local bottler, is proud to sponsor the Arizona Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year
Sophia Bein is a dedicated sophomore at Mica Mountain High School and an active member of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Youth Program, where she has been involved for the past two years. With aspirations of becoming a general surgeon, she plans to attend Johns Hopkins University to further her education and make a lasting impact in the medical field.
Passionate about advocacy and leadership, Sophia is committed to representing and uplifting others. As a candidate for National Youth of the Year, she strives to be a voice for those who may not have one, using her problem-solving skills and creativity to drive meaningful change. She believes that true greatness comes from putting others first and actively contributing to her community. Through effective communication and leadership, she hopes to inspire those around her and create a positive, lasting difference in the world.
Sophia Bein
Air Force Base Youth Program
Davis-Monthan
Lily Loyd
Lily Loyd was born in Fort Mohave, Arizona and has lived in the surrounding community her entire life. Lily has been with the Club for 10 years, demonstrating exceptional kindness, teamwork, and a positive attitude, as well as making a significant impact at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River.
Lily is always ready to lend a hand, while still juggling the life of being a senior at River Valley High School, with a 3.23 GPA. Lily also volunteers her time taking pictures for various sporting events for her school’s yearbook. She plans on attending college to continue taking psychology, and her prospective college choice is Grand Canyon University.
Lily consistently goes above and beyond, bringing a friendly spirit to everything she does. She embodies the values we strive for at the Club, helping those who need us the most!
OF THE COLORADO RIVER
Makia comes from Lok’aa’inteel, known in English as Ganado, a rural community in the Navajo Nation. Carrying values similar to her community’s founder, Ganado Mucho, Makia has naturally evolved into a goal-getter and motivator. Her ability to seek opportunities led her to relocate to Winslow for her education and to take advantage of programs such as the Boys & Girls Club, Youth Council, Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT), NAU’s Upward Bound Program, Winslow High School’s Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa (Northland Pioneer College Honor Society).
Makia’s commitment to her education, family, and programs she’s involved with, has driven her to the goal of obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree and further working towards Medical School. Makia wholeheartedly values her community as well as the people of the Navajo Nation and would like to someday return home to help heal those in need.
The Boys & Girls Clubs has been a safe space for Makia and her peers to bond and engage in various life skills confidently.
Makia Wilson
OF FLAGSTAFF
Vanessa Chacon
Vanessa, a 10-year member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community, Komatke Branch, is a junior at Betty H. Fairfax High School and is planning to attend Arizona State University to pursue a career in Marine Biology once she graduates. Vanessa participated in Robotics at school and was also on the Girls Volleyball team. She is currently the Keystone Club Treasurer at the Boys & Girls Clubs and is enthusiastic about giving service to others. Vanessa describes herself as dedicated and open-minded and is known as a good listener. God, family, and friends are the most important things to Vanessa, as her faith has carried her through tough times as she has had to deal with the passing of family members.
The Club has been her safe space, offering encouragement, support, and opportunities for growth. It has shaped her into the person she is today, helping Vanessa discover her passions and build resilience, whether it was learning to serve a volleyball over the net, finding comfort in friendships, or receiving academic guidance. The Club has always been a place where she feels valued and supported.
OF THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY
Emma, 17, is a senior at Desert Mountain High School and has been a member of the Virginia G. Piper Branch for 12 years. After graduation, she plans to move to Ireland to attend college, with the goal of one day working for the United Nations to help people in crisis.
Emma credits the Club with shaping her into the leader she aspired to be, building both her confidence and leadership skills.
Emma’s advice to younger Club members: Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve—your potential is limitless.
Emma Feeney
OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE
Isaac Merrill
Isaac Merrill is a determined and passionate 17-year-old high school senior whose love for football and music production fuels his ambitions. A dedicated member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sierra Vista for the past eight years, Isaac has honed his leadership skills and made a lasting impact through his involvement in Torch Club.
In 2024, Isaac led his football team to a championship victory despite facing injury, a testament to his resilience, commitment, and unshakable drive. The guidance and encouragement from his Boys & Girls Club staff have empowered him to embrace challenges, take risks, and push beyond his limits.
Isaac aims to attend the University of Arizona on a football scholarship, where he will continue to develop his skills on and off the field. His ultimate goal is to make his mark in the NFL and inspire others to chase their dreams.
OF SIERRA VISTA
Mya Sorilla is a dedicated 7-year member of the Steve Daru Clubhouse, where she has consistently demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a passion for service. As the current president of Keystone, she plays a pivotal role in organizing and planning monthly events that engage and inspire her peers. Balancing an impressive 3.7 GPA, Mya is also an integral part of the dance program at Tucson High Magnet School, showcasing her commitment to both academics and the arts.
At the Clubhouse, Mya thrives in various roles, from managing the snack bar to leading and coordinating the co-ed volleyball program she founded. She also serves as a coach and manager for the cheer program, fostering teamwork and dedication among her peers. Her involvement at the Clubhouse is unparalleled—she has participated in every program offered and has even taken on the responsibilities of a Clubhouse Intern.
Looking ahead, Mya is eager to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian and plans to attend the University of Arizona to study animal science and veterinary medicine.
Mya Sorilla
OF TUCSON
Amaya Gomez
Amaya is a junior at Deer Valley High School and has been attending the Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch for two years. Amaya was looking for a way to fill her time after school when she wasn’t in season for golf or soccer, and her best friends encouraged her to join the Club with them. Amaya quickly began to feel right at home and treasures the time she spends in the Sands teen center. Activities like teen field trips to Northern Arizona University and volunteering to pack food for the homeless stand out among her Club experiences, because they’ve allowed her to explore her options for the future and give back to her community.
Amaya has seven siblings, with another one on the way! She was born and raised in Arizona and wants to stay in her home state near the rest of her family after graduation. She aspires to attend NAU and enter the medical field, with a particular interest in ultrasound technology. The Club has been instrumental in encouraging Amaya to reach for the stars, helping her build confidence, express herself, and work towards her dreams.
About Our Keynote Speaker
Latasha Causey is the President of NASCAR’s Phoenix Raceway, the first African American female to hold this role in NASCAR’s history. She is a proud member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s Board of Directors and grew up attending the Club in her native West Phoenix.
Prior to joining Phoenix Raceway, she was the Community Development Officer for Bell Bank. Latasha also worked for over a decade at USAA’s North Phoenix Campus, holding various leadership roles responsible for strengthening USAA’s brand and culture in the Phoenix market.
Latasha holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Arizona State University, and a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Organizational Management and Professional Human Resources certification (PHR).
Latasha is very active in the Phoenix community, being named in 2024 to the prestigious class of Game Changers: Women in Sports Business by the Sports Business Journal. She was also named the 2023 Inspiring
Latasha Causey
President, Phoenix Raceway
Sports Executive of the Year by Women in Sports and Entertainment, one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona in 2021, and an outstanding Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2018.
77 BGC Sites in Arizona
Traditional Sites
A site in a dedicated space utilizing BGC resources
School Sites
A site housed within a school building or on a school campus utilizing school resources
Urban, suburban, rural, military, native Clubs
21st Century Sites
A school receiving 21st Century funding who collaborates with BGC to provide academic enrichment opportunities
Partnerships
A site housed within a partner building and utilizes partner resources
Apache Junction
Arizona City
Avondale
Bisbee
Bullhead City
Bylas
Casa Grande
Chandler
Club Locations
Cibecue
Davis Monthan AFB
Flagstaff
Fort Huachuca
Fort Mohave
Fountain Hills
Gilbert
Glendale
Guadalupe
Holbrook
Kingman
Laveen
Luke AFB
Many Farms
Maricopa
MCAS Yuma
Mesa
Mohave
Nogales
Peach
Peoria
Phoenix
Prescott
Prescott Valley
Sacaton
Safford
San Carlos
San Tan Valley
Scottsdale
Sierra Vista
Tempe
Tucson
Whiteriver
Winslow
Yuma
We provide youth and teens with environments, relationships and experiences that build essential skills and equip them to achieve positive outcomes.
Essential Skills Young people use social skills to communicate and interact with others and are emotionally equipped to navigate challenging situations.
Health & Well-Being Young people make informed, healthy decisions that contribute to their overall well-being.
Character & Leadership Young people stay true to their values, demonstrate good citizenship and drive positive change.
Academic Success Young people are self-directed learners who succeed academically.
Life & Workforce Readiness Young people are equipped to navigate adulthood and pursue a ful lling, economically viable career path.
Positive Outcomes
A
High-Quality Club Experience
Youth & Teens in Our Communities
Supportive Relationships
Meaningful Programs & Experiences
Safe, Inclusive Environments
Special Thanks to Our Youth of the Year Judges:
Marchelle Franklin
Board Member and Chair of the
Charitable Giving Committee
Fiesta Sports Foundation
Anita Petersen
Accounts Executive
Swire Coca-Cola
Michael Franks
Senior Vice President
Arizona Compete Health
Thank You, Sponsors and Supporters!
Proud Title Sponsor
Youth Visionary Sponsor
Program Supporters
YOU T H YEAR OF THE 2025 ARIZONA
Proud Title Sponsor
About the Arizona Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs:
The Arizona Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs is made up of 16 organizations from across the State, serving more than 114,000 kids and teens each year. The Alliance was formed in 2000 to increase the Clubs’ visibility in communities and to advocate for Arizona’s most vulnerable youth. Clubs offer programs and services promoting and enhancing the development of youth by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence.
Our Mission:
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible members of the community.
Our Vision:
We believe that every child deserves a great future! Clubs are working to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all Club members on track to achieve our priority outcomes.
Alliance Member Organizations:
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Aha Macav
Boys & Girls Club of Bisbee
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River
Boys & Girls Clubs of Flagstaff
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sierra Vista
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor
Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of White Mountain Apache
Davis-Monthan AFB Youth Program
Luke AFB Youth Program MCAS Yuma
Yuma Proving Grounds CYSS