Boys & Girls Clubs of America has named Brook’Lynn H., a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, as the 2026 Midwest Youth of the Year. The teen received the honor during the organization’s annual Midwest Youth of the Year Celebration, presented by Raymond James, held at Theater on the Lake in Chicago on June 25.
The annual celebration recognizes the Midwest region’s most inspiring teens who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to health and well-being. As Midwest Youth of the Year, Brook’Lynn will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and advance to compete for the National Youth of the Year title this fall.
A member of Southside Boys & Girls Club, Brook’Lynn is known for her purpose-driven leadership, ambition and commitment to creating positive change. She plans to pursue a career as a lawyer, using her passion for advocacy to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Through her experiences at the Club, Brook’Lynn has developed a deep commitment to leading with purpose and creating the change she hopes to see in the world.
“Two hands and one mission empowered me to be the change I want to see,” said Brook’Lynn.
“We have watched her grow into a confident advocate and leader who uses her voice with purpose, and this honor reflects the future she is already helping to shape,” said Mary Swingle, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. “She has worked hard, led with courage and used her voice to inspire young members in the Club. We are proud to see her represent Minnesota and our Central Minnesota community on this stage.”
This fall, Brook’Lynn will join fellow Youth of the Year finalists from each U.S. region to vie for the honor of National Youth of the Year. As the highest honor a Club member can receive, the National Youth of the Year is awarded an additional $50,000 scholarship and the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, representing more than 4 million Club kids and teens.
“Every Youth of the Year finalist represents what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to discover their potential,” said Jim Clark, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Their resilience, compassion and determination inspire all of us, and we’re proud to recognize Brook’Lynn as this year’s Midwest Youth of the Year. We can’t wait to see the impact she will continue to make.”
Celebrating the Midwest Region’s Top Teens
The evening highlighted the inspiring stories of young people whose leadership and service are creating positive change in communities across the region.
This year’s Midwest Youth of the Year finalists included:
- Andrea C., Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Inc.
- Andrea R., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
- Cyrus A., Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
- Emilee H., Boys & Girls Club of Springfield
- Evangelina R., Boys & Girls Club Fox Valley
- Jocelyn E., Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley
- Kayleigha G., Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa
- Maryame G., Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton
- Nashayla H., Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia
- Olivia A., Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
- Xoe M., Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area
- Amelia A., Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Youth of the Year, visit BGCA.org.
About Youth of the Year
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition initiative. It celebrates outstanding teens who are committed to leadership, service and academic excellence. Each year, Boys & Girls Club members across the country participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events, culminating in the selection of the National Youth of the Year. As the Presenting Partner of Youth of the Year, Raymond James empowers Boys & Girls Club youth to succeed inside, outside and beyond the classroom by supporting year-round academic success programming and leadership development.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands.