Youth of the Year Spotlight

Youth of the Year is an annual competition of standout junior and senior Club members. Candidates prepare essays, speeches, resumes, and cover letters. These materials are read over by judges and a winner is selected; receiving scholarships and needed supplies for secondary education. These exceptional students have put in a lot of hard work for this competition. They have been model examples of how to invest in your education, extracurriculars, and be an active Club Member. At Aspire! you will hear from our winner for this year.

Youth of the Year Candidates

Samarion Newell

2023 BGCNEO Youth of the Year

A Club member since the age of 12, Samarion Newell is a senior at Sandusky High School, where he plays sports and is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, United Black Students and Business Professionals of America. He is vice president of Keystone Club, a leadership group. He intends to attend college this fall and pursue a career in finance.

Taylyn is a ninth-grader at St. VincentSt. Mary High School in Akron, where she sports a 3.9 GPA and plays junior varsity and varsity basketball. As a junior youth development professional at BGCNEO’s Lebron James Club, Taylyn has been praised for her leadership skills.

Mathew Breban is a senior at Lorain High School, where he plays baseball. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mathew has been a Boys & Girls Clubs member for 9 years and now works there as a junior youth development professional. “I love watching and playing the game of baseball,” he says.