Nazaih W. (center) of Edison High School is the winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County’s Youth of the Year honor for 2026. To the left is Tom Ferdinandi with Me-N-Ed's and to the right is Jason Hannold, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. Photo via Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County

A member of the West Fresno Club earned first place Thursday in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County’s Youth of the Year competition, the organization’s top local honor, which recognizes youth leadership, academic achievement and community engagement.

Youth of the Year is considered the highest honor a Club member can receive. Presented locally by Me-n-Ed’s, the competition highlights a leadership and character development pipeline stretching from local clubhouses to regional, state and national stages. The national program began in 1947.

Fresno County has participated for roughly two decades.

Finalists between the ages of 13 and 18 competed for the honors, which will see the winner move on to state and potentially national Youth of the Year competitions. Competitors complete essays, resumés, recommendation letters, interviews and timed speeches, focusing on their personal journeys and future goals.

This year’s winner, Nazaih W., represents Edison High School. She is maintaining a 4.0 GPA and plans to become a registered nurse. Described as genuine and respectful, Nazaih received a $3,000 scholarship through the Me-n-Ed’s Founders Scholarship Program, as well as a $500 Visa gift card, pizza for a year and a recognition certificate.

Second- and third-place finalists receive $2,000 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively.

“These kids have done such tremendous work,” said Kristen R. Saldovar, chief operating officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. “Every week we coach them, provide feedback, help them reconstruct their speech and help them identify what matters to them. There’s a turning point when they start to see that they did this and that they were capable all along.”

Second and third place honors were given to Edward H. of the East Fresno Club and Jordan G. of the Pinedale Club respectively.

The organization also recognized finalists Niki V. (Zimmerman Club), Max B. (Clovis Club) and Alfonso M. (Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County) for their individual leadership and participation.

Saldovar added that the value of the competition extends beyond one night.

“The real satisfaction is witnessing our kids seeing that they were capable all along,” she said.

Youth of the Year scholarship awards are supported locally through the Me-n-Ed’s Founders Scholarship Program.