Boys & Girls Club Announces 2025 Youth of the Year

Esmeralda Advances to State Competition for a Chance at a $10,000 Scholarship

Pictured left to right: Esmeralda's mother, Esmeralda, Yesenia Martinez-Beltran (BGCSW mentor and Outreach Coordinator), and Francisco Bueno (BGCSW Executive Director) with laptop donated by the Young Professionals Network Employee Resource group at Comcast.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington (BGCSW) is proud to announce Esmeralda as the 2025 Youth of the Year, the organization's highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, service, and academic achievement. Esmeralda will now advance to the Washington State Youth of the Year competition, where she has the opportunity to earn a $10,000 scholarship. If selected as the state winner, she will move on to the regional competition, with hopes of ultimately competing for the prestigious National Youth of the Year title and a $50,000 scholarship.

Driven by a passion for advocacy and representation, Esmeralda is determined to uplift and empower others. "The impact I aim to make is to help other women of color see themselves in positions we are not typically represented in. I aspire to challenge the stereotypes that are often imposed on us, demonstrating that they do not define or limit our potential," she shared.

BGCSW also recognizes the exceptional efforts of Avalon, Emily, Francisco, and Yorleni, who were nominated for their outstanding contributions to their Clubs and communities. Their commitment to service and leadership exemplifies the core values of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington.