Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC) is proud to recognize two outstanding local youth as its 2026 Youths of the Year. Jose, an 11th-grade student from the Loveland-Pulliam Club, was named Senior Youth of the Year, while Emily, a 6th grader from Fort Collins Club, was named Junior Youth of the Year. Youth of the Year is a national Boys & Girls Clubs of America initiative that celebrates and develops the next generation of leaders.
The winners were selected during the countywide competition on March 7, held in partnership with Colorado State University (CSU) and Front Range Community College (FRCC). Club members were introduced by their Club Directors and delivered speeches to an audience of nearly 150 family members, friends, community supporters, and staff.
As Senior Youth of the Year, Jose will receive a combined $19,000 in academic scholarships from CSU, FRCC, and BGCLC. He will also compete in the Colorado Youth of the Year competition April 12–14 for the chance to earn additional scholarships and advance to the national level.
Both Jose and Emily will be honored at our Great Futures Gala on May 30, 2026. This year’s event is especially significant as the organization is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of serving youth in Larimer County. For event information and tickets, visit https://www.begreatlarimer.
Senior Youth of the Year Winner: Jose G.
Jose has been a valued part of the Club community for years. Whether he’s stopping in to pick up his brother, or staying late for Keystone Club, Jose makes a point to greet every staff member with enthusiasm and respect. He consistently shows up with a positive attitude and is always ready to step in, help out, and get involved wherever he’s needed. Through Keystone Club, he has learned what it means to be a leader and how to lead intentionally. Jose wants to become a diesel mechanic and build it into a successful career.
“Club has shown me that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, helping others, and growing from your mistakes. It’s taught me the value of responsibility, respect, and the importance of being involved and participating in my community,” Jose said
Junior Youth of the Year Winner: Emily S.
Emily is extremely open to the opportunities presented to her at Club and participates with all she has. Emily used to be shy, but the opportunities at Club have helped her open up. She enjoys meeting new people and participating in events. Overall, Club has given Emily a supportive environment where she can grow, connect, and feel confident.
“In the future, I hope to volunteer in GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) to help other girls to explore STEM and learn more about how it works. I also hope to one day be president of Keystone and to go to the Keystone conference in the summer,” Emily said.
Special thank you to our Youth of the Year judges: Beryl Durazo, Executive Director, CSU, Nashara Ellerbee, 2024 State YoY Winner, CSU, Dr. Rickey Frierson, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Student Success Initiatives, CSU, Malachi Haynes, 2018-19 Boys & Girls Clubs National Youth of the Year, Drew Johnson, Senior Vice President, Alpine Bank & BGCLC Board Member, Debbie McCubbin, Community Volunteer, BGCLC Board Member
