LYNN— The Boys &Girls Club of Lynn named Danielys Delgado its 2026 Youth of the Year.

Delgado, 17, a junior at Lynn Classical High School, was selected from a field of four finalists. Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Club’s premier recognition program for members ages 14–18. It celebrates teens who demonstrate leadership, community service, academic excellence, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

“Youth of the Year means to me being a voice for the younger members who are uncertain or shy or still discovering their potential,” Delgado said. “I feel very excited and honored. I feel like I accomplished something that I would not have been able to before (coming to) the club.”

More than a competition, the Youth of the Year program is a year-round leadership development experience that empowers teens to grow as leaders in their communities.

“When we were practicing, it gave me a good foundation to not be as nervous or stumble on my words. It helped me a lot,” Delgado said. “I felt confident after meeting the judges and eating dinner with them. When it came to my essay/panel questions, I was very passionate about the community issues question because I was confident in my answers.”

“I am incredibly proud of our teens and the leadership they continue to show within our club,” said Maria Alberto, Director of Teen Programming. “ They serve as amazing role models for our younger members and truly stepped out of their comfort zones during this process. From the way they presented themselves to the issues they spoke about improving in their community, they showed confidence, growth, and passion. These teens represent that the Boys & Girls Club is more than just a place to go after school — it’s a place to grow, better yourself, and gain the tools needed to build a bright future.”

The Youth of the Year serves as a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, advocating for youth and representing the voices of her peers. She will have the opportunity to compete at the regional and state level, with winners receiving scholarships.

“We are thrilled to have Danielys as our Youth of the Year,” said BGCL Executive Director Grace Duran. “She and the other finalists represent the best of our club, and they serve as positive role models for other members.”

The other Youth of the Year finalists were: Meyser Ventura, Lynn English; Jansely Pimental Suazo, Lynn Classical; and Eferson Sandoval de Leon, Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy. The judges included BGCL Board President Adriana Moschella, Vice President Erin Muschette, Secretary Steve Hirsch, board member Page Driscoll, Superintendent of Schools Molly Cohen, and Lynn English High School Principal Dr. Rardy Pena.

“Collaborating with LPS (Lynn Public Schools) helped elevate the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to creating opportunities where members feel seen, supported, and valued,” Duran said. “The presence of the superintendent was significant and sent a clear message that the work our members are doing matters—not just within our organization, but across the broader community. Leadership visibility like this reinforces the importance of investing in young people and acknowledging their efforts in a meaningful way.”

Duran said the judges played a critical role in shaping the experience, offering thoughtful evaluations and encouraging and inspiring words that resonated with members. “Their presence helped foster an environment of support and motivation, reminding participants that their ideas and efforts have real impact,” she said. “They created an experience where members felt empowered, valued, and inspired to continue pursuing their goals with confidence.”

For more than 75 years, the Boys & Girls Club national Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Each year, one exceptional club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and a voice for all of the nation’s young people.