The Youth of the Year (YOY) award is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Each year our organization, along with thousands of other Boys & Girls Clubs throughout this nation, host Youth of the Year competitions to select one youth that embodies leadership, service, and academic excellence. 


2026 Pueblo   County Youth of the Year

Daizey R.

Sprague Clubhouse/

Ray Aguilera Teen Center

Daizey is a rare Club teen, having attended the Clubs from elementary school all the way through high school. The growth staff have seen in Daizey's confidence and leadership over the years is truly inspiring. “The Club has helped me find my voice."


At the beginning of April, Daizey participated in the Colorado Youth of the Year competition in Denver, connecting with 11 other winners from across the state. Sami and her Clubhouse Director and chaperone, Selina Valdez, enjoyed the three-day competition and celebration, at which Daizey received a scholarship from Credit Union of Colorado.


Daizey plans to attend CSU Pueblo next fall and pursue a degree in psychology.


2026 Pueblo County Jr. Youths of the Year

The Junior Youth of the Year (Jr. YOY) award is one of highest honors a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a young member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This year, two young men were announced as Co-Youths of the Year.

Omar J.

Sprague Clubhouse

Colin B.

East Side Clubhouse

2025 Pueblo County Kid of the Year

The Kid of the Year award is one of highest honors a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a young member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. 

Piper S.

Sprague Clubhouse

"Piper has been a member of the Sprague Clubhouse for three years. During this time, she has grown tremendously as a member and as an individual. Piper is one of those kids who can remind adults of what it’s like to see the world through a child’s eyes and see the good in everything.  When Piper is attending the Club, you never hear the words, “I’m bored,” or, “I don’t want to do this,” because Piper is always participating in activities, playing with friends and letting her imagination run wild. In the Art Room, she creates some of the most unique art pieces. In fact, Piper had a few of her art pieces showcased in the Art show last summer. In addition to being creative, Piper has shown her skills and knowledge of math and science by participating in our STEM Mentoring program for the past two years. She is one of the few members to complete the program and attend every session. All of the great things that Piper brings to the Club don’t stop when the program session ends. Even when she isn’t in a structured activity, she continues to be a quiet, steady leader in the Club. One of the first ways Piper shows her leadership is through her constant willingness to help staff. She is always offering to help clean rooms as they prepare for their next group, and she frequently volunteers to help Ms. Angelica serve snacks at the end of the day. Another way Piper shows quiet leadership in the Club is by reminding her peers of the rules and expectations. However, what staff admire most about Piper is that she doesn’t see cliques or groups — she treats every member with kindness and has never turned away anyone who asks to play with her. At times, Piper has even extended invitations out to the members who are having a rough day and have distanced themselves from others. This is a perfect example of how much Piper has grown as an individual. Three years ago, she would never have initiated a conversation with another member or stepped outside her comfort zone."


— Clubhouse Director Mauricio Paez