Congratulations to our 2018 Colorado Youth of the Year
​Finalists and Winners

For nearly 70 years, the National Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspirational teens and their incredible stories. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope. 

Malachi H.
2018 Youth of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver

Malachi has been an active member of the Boettcher Club for over 11 years. He is dedicated to the Club and is a positive leader and role model to the younger members and his peers. Malachi has participated in and coached football and basketball teams at the Club, was Keystone President two years in a row, and is a Junior Staff member. Malachi is also committed to his academics, taking college level courses and maintaining a 3.76 GPA as a part of the IB program at George Washington High School. He attributes his success in this program to the help and support he has received at the Club. Malachi is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall to study Kinesiology, with a goal to attend medical school in the future.

Destiny M.
2018 Military Youth of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs at Buckley Air Force Base

Destiny is a self- defined young woman that has maintained a 3.1 GPA. As Destiny maintains her academic rigor, she serves as Vice President of Keystone Club and works for the Army and Air Force Exchange Services. Destiny has been a member of the Club since 2015 and has played a valuable role as a leader, mentor, and assistant. When Destiny is not spearheading committees for tobacco awareness and cultural diversity or serving as President of her high school’s International Club, she works with younger youth at the Club to model and increase awareness of social justice and equality to her peers. Destiny currently has plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Youth Speak Up

Colorado Youth of the Year Finalists share their stories, their connection to the Boys & Girls Clubs and talk about the change they have made in their communities. 

Colorado Youth of the Year Finalists gathered for a day of learning, community service and celebration. See youth meet, bond and grow over two exciting days in Denver. Celebrate with all our Colorado Youth of the Year Finalists who represent their Clubs and communities as leaders, advocates, and change-makers.

Thank you to our amazing judges

Alexis Menocal Harrigan
Office of Governor John Hickenlooper

Armando Martin
XL Edge

David W. Gerbus
Delta Dental of Colorado

Katrina Sevier
Western Union

Christina Heinzmann
Vectra Bank Colorado

Rony Lenis
City Ballet of San Diego

Fiona Lytle
Colorado Community College System

Rob Bingham
Xcel Energy

Aaron Nelson
Toyota

Kelly Caufield
Colorado Succeeds

Jared Anthony
Colorado Department of Education

2018 Colorado Youth of the Year Celebration