Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota Names 2025-26 Youth of the Year Recipients

(KNSI) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota has announced its three Youth of the Year recipients for 2025-26: Brennan T. from Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club, Ledon B. from Eastside Boys & Girls Club, and Brook’Lynn H. from Southside Boys & Girls Club, who also earned the overall title of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota Youth of the Year.

Ledon B. has been a member of the Eastside Boys & Girls Club for six years and is currently a freshman at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. He has participated in numerous programs, including Cooking Club, Torch Club, Money Matters, Career Launch, Passport to Manhood and Stage Crew. Ledon discovered his passion for baking through the Club’s culinary arts program and plans to attend Hennepin Technical College to study culinary arts with the goal of owning his own bakery.

Brook’Lynn H. has participated in Club programs since kindergarten and is currently a senior at Cathedral High School. She has taken advantage of programs including Career Launch, Career Start, SMART Girls, Healthy Habits and Cavity Free Zone, and has served as an emcee for Boys & Girls Club showcases. Brook’Lynn is actively involved with the Best Buy Teen Tech Center and serves on both the Club’s local teen advisory council and Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth Advisory Council. She plans to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a law degree with a focus on family law and to become a criminal prosecutor.

Brennan T. has been involved with the Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club for four years and is a freshman at Apollo High School. His participation spans programs including CareerSTART, Career Launch, Money Matters, Passport to Manhood, SMART Moves-Emotional Wellness, Triple Play, UPS Road Code, STEM-Coding, Art Programming, Esports and basketball. As an avid basketball player on his school team, Brennan also mentors younger members at the Club and dreams of playing in the NBA.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota will host a reception honoring Brook’Lynn at 4:30 p.m. on February 17th at the Southside Boys & Girls Club located at 1205 6th Ave. S. in St. Cloud. A brief program will begin at 4:45 p.m., recognizing Brook’Lynn, who will share her Boys & Girls Club testimony. Private receptions will be held for Ledon at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club and for Brennan at the Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club.

As Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s Youth of the Year, Brook’Lynn will advance to the state competition in the Twin Cities on March 24, 2026. She will receive a $1,000 Youth of the Year local scholarship and a scholarship through her participation in the state competition. The Minnesota Youth of the Year will receive a $20,000 Home Team scholarship from professional sports organizations in the state. State winners participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s regional competition, where five regional winners receive a $20,000 scholarship and advance to the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $50,000 scholarship.

To participate in the Youth of the Year program, members must be at least 14 years old, have been a Club member for at least two years, and be willing to share their testimony about how the Boys & Girls Club has positively impacted their lives. Participants, supported by an adult mentor, prepare a comprehensive packet for judges that includes a staff recommendation, an essay on their Club experience, membership highlights, school and community involvement, and statements on what matters to them and their personal growth. Youth also present a three-minute speech.

“Each year it’s an incredibly difficult decision for our judges,” said VP of Operations Geri Bechtold. “Our Club youth are all so amazing. By participating in Boys & Girls Club programs, each of these youth has developed strong character and resilience, and the Youth of the Year program helps them continue to build leadership and public speaking skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.”

More information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota programs can be found by clicking here.

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