A Jacksonville teen who overcame a chaotic childhood by joining a local Boys & Girls Club has been named Boys & Girls Clubs of America ’s 2024 National Youth of the Year.
Nico Flowers, 18, was presented the award by actor and director Denzel Washington, a club alumnus, at a special event in Atlanta on Sept. 18. The Ed White High School graduate is a political science student at Florida State University.
One of six regional finalists for the award, he received a $50,000 college scholarship, a new Toyota Corolla, first-time car owner financial assistance and a $5,000 Kohl’s shopping experience. He also will be a teen spokesman for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
At the event, Flowers credited the Ed White club’s afterschool programs for “inspiring him to achieve and providing a place where he felt that he belonged,” according to a statement from the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida. After thanking his parents and his club “family,” he encouraged other Youth of the Year nominees.