About WA State Youth of the Year
Washington State Youth of the Year is three days filled with events designed to provide educational and inspirational experiences for our finalists!
The event kicked off in Olympia on Tuesday, March 24th with an evening reception at the Governor’s Mansion. There, the 2026 Community Service Award was bestowed upon Brodie L. from Naval Base Kitsap’s Admiral Boorda Teen Center. On Wednesday morning, youth and their mentors enjoyed breakfast and ice breakers at a local Club. Teens then engaged with some corporate HR leaders in the area to learn about interview techniques. Afterwards, everyone traveled north so the teens could partake in speech prep at another local Club. For fun, the youth got to experience a limo ride and tour the neighborhoods of Seattle, enjoying a tasty treat at Kerry Park and taking photos.
On Thursday, March 26th, Club members gathered at Bell Harbor International Event Center for speeches and interviews in front of a panel of esteemed judges representing their communities. The winners were announced at the dinner that was attended by Club leaders, youth mentors and their families as well as Youth of the Year corporate sponsors. Each finalist had the opportunity to share their personal story with the Celebration audience. Some finalists were even recognized with merit scholarships, including the 2026 Qualstar Scholarship, which was presented to Robert G.S. of Boy & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. Then, the teen winners were announced. Emelia P. of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington won the 2026 Washington State Youth of the Year and Peyton C. the 2026 Washington State Military Youth of the Year. Congratulations to them and all our finalists!
Meet our finalists here.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor:
And to Our Other Sponsors, All of which made the 2026 Youth of the Year Possible:
