2023 Youth of the Year Experience

What is Youth of the Year?

At our annual Youth of the Year Gala, we shine the spotlight on our young members who have taken advantage of the opportunities provided through our Clubs to fuel the drive within themselves to achieve Great Futures.

Youth of the Year is a character and leadership program that recognizes Club members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. The competition is open to all Boys & Girls Club members ages 14-18, and each Club honors one outstanding member to represent them at the annual Youth of the Year Fundraising Gala.

Last year, we made history as we raised more than $1,000,000 to support our Metro Atlanta Clubs! Make plans to join us for this inspiring evening on Friday, November 10, 2023 at The Coca-Cola Roxy!

Meet Last Year's Winner!

2022-2023 Youth of the Year - Elias Dennis

"The Club is important to me because it helped me become part of a new family and friend group in my community."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) is honored to announce Elias Dennis of the Flint River Community Center Boys & Girls Club as its 2022-2023 Youth of the Year-the organization's highest honor. Elias was selected among 20 accomplished teens representing Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Metro Atlanta and recognized at BGCMA's Annual Youth of the Year Celebration on Friday, November 11.

This year 20 inspiring teens from Boys & Girls Club locations throughout Metro Atlanta participated in the 2022 Youth of the Year Celebration on Friday, Nov. 11. Themed "A Million Moments", the celebration was hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Monica Pearson. The organization's signature fundraising raised event $1,040,000 and featured a dynamic live performance from Grammy-nominated artist and actor MAJOR. with an accompaniment of BGCMA's youth choir. Included was also remarks from community leaders and speeches from five YOY finalists describing their "Million Moments." Special appearances also included 4x NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal, who spoke about the impact the Club had on his life as a Club member. The organization's Club in Henry County bears his name.

"We are so proud of all of our candidates and excited to name Elias as our 2022-2023 Youth of the Year," said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. "It gives me such hope to see kids and teens like Elias with a strong vision toward the future using their voice to strengthen their communities and the world."

Elias Dennis, a 17-year-old junior, has been attending the Club since he was 6 years old. Elias has career aspirations of becoming a veterinarian and owning several clinics. As a Club member, Elias spent time visiting and eventually working as a summer counselor at the organization's camp facility, Camp Kiwanis, in Danielsville, Georgia. He credits his summers as a camp counselor with helping him realize his love for working with animals.

"The Club is important to me because it helped me become part of a new family and friend group in my community," exclaimed Elias.