FRISCO, TX — On Friday night, The Star in Frisco lit up with the energy and promise of tomorrow’s leaders as Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) hosted its 2025 Southwest Youth of the Year celebration. The event recognized exceptional teens from across the Southwest for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service.
Ximena V. of McAllen, Texas was named 2025 Southwest Youth of the Year, earning a $20,000 scholarship and the region’s highest Club honor. Summer H., representing Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, was awarded the title of Southwest Military Youth of the Year, a distinction that highlights the resilience and achievements of youth affiliated with military families.
Ximena and Summer were selected from an inspiring cohort of state-level finalists, each representing their local communities and military installations with distinction. The full list of 2025 State Youth of the Year Honorees included:
- Abigail T., McConnell Air Force Base Youth Program – Kansas Military YOY
- Aidan C., Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne Wyoming – Wyoming YOY
- Jacky M., Boys & Girls Clubs of the MonDak – Montana YOY
- Jonathan G., Tinker Air Force Base Youth Program – Oklahoma Military YOY
- Joslyn H., Boys & Girls Clubs of Red River Valley Oklahoma – Oklahoma YOY
- Kaden H., Malmstrom Air Force Base Youth Program – Montana Military YOY
- Karson F., Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado – Colorado YOY
- Khaii W., Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas – Kansas YOY
- Madysen R., Boys & Girls Clubs of Generational Empowerment – New Mexico YOY
- Miguel C., Holloman Air Force Base Youth Program – New Mexico Military YOY
- Tristyn M., Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Youth Program – Texas Military YOY
- Zoey H., Boys & Girls Club of Benton County – Arkansas YOY
The evening included moving speeches from teen finalists, each sharing deeply personal journeys of triumph, purpose, and transformation made possible through the support of their local Clubs. “These young people are the future — and the impact they’re already making is undeniable,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Adding to the night’s excitement, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones received the Champion of Youth Award, presented by NFL legend Demarcus Ware and Clark. The program also featured high-energy performances by the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue dancers and Cheerleaders, and was emceed by Emmy-nominated host Amy Vanderoef.
The Southwest Youth of the Year event is part of a nationwide initiative by BGCA to uplift young leaders and provide a platform for their voices. Sponsored in part by Kohl’s through Kohl’s Cares, the program emphasizes trauma-informed care, youth mental health, and leadership development…