FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Media Contact
Brynja Seagren, CEO
310.361.8500 x207
LOCAL TEENS SHOWCASE THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN YOUTH OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Boys & Girls Clubs Member and Santa Monica High School senior honored for leadership and community impact.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – After months of preparation, Lorena S. was selected as the winner of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s 2026 Youth of the Year competition last week. She earned the honor at a community judging event on February 12.
Youth of the Year is a nine-month program where young leaders work with mentors to craft compelling presentations that showcase how their Club experience has shaped their character, goals, and commitment to community service. It is Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier leadership recognition program, helping teens develop public speaking skills and articulate their personal journeys.
At the event, Lorena and six other program participants representing Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s Main Branch Club and Mar Vista Gardens Club shared their stories of leadership and impact, highlighting the growth since they became Club members.
Lorena’s story stood out. Her journey at the Club began when she was a young girl navigating a new language, a new culture, and a world that often made her feel invisible. The Club changed that.
“At the Club, they did not just see a student who needed help; they saw a leader who needed a platform,” Lorena said. “The Boys & Girls Club did not just give me a place to go; they gave me the courage to be the change I wanted to see.”
Lorena transformed her personal experiences with isolation and identity into fuel for advocacy. She founded the Middle Eastern North African Club at Santa Monica High School, providing a community for students who, like her, grew up feeling caught between two worlds. She also serves as president of STEMsters and coaches youth soccer, extending her mentorship far beyond the Club’s walls.
“We are proud to amplify Lorena’s story,” said Brynja Seagren, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s CEO. “Her journey is a powerful reminder of why access matters. When we remove barriers and invest in kids, they don’t just thrive; they transform our communities.”
National Youth of the Year was established in 1946 and is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club kid can receive. Club competitions are the first step in the journey to National Youth of the Year.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, Youth of the Year is a small group program that gives teens access to coaching, mentorship, and workshops on topics including dressing for success and executive presence.
A panel of leaders from the local community judged the competition, selecting Lorena as the winner. Lorena will advance to the LA County regional competition, with the opportunity to continue progressing and compete for up to $50,000 in scholarships.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
For over 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica’s sole focus has been on providing what kids need to thrive. As kid experts, we’re elevating after school with a holistic focus on helping kids and teens discover their potential, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills they need to chase big dreams. Through over 30 intentionally designed programs in workforce readiness, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership, we equip kids—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Learn more at smbgc.org.
