Honoring Leadership, Service and Bright Futures: Announcing the 2026 Youth of the Year

Every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati celebrates some of the most inspiring young leaders in our community through the Youth of the Year awards. The annual competition recognizes Club members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, academic achievement and dedication to their communities.

This year’s local competition brought together outstanding finalists representing Clubs from across the Greater Cincinnati region. Each candidate shared their personal story, the impact that their Club has had on their lives, and their vision for the future.

After an inspiring evening of speeches and celebration, one young leader rose to the top.

Meet the 2026 Youth of the Year: Hon’essty James

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati is proud to announce Hon’essty James as the 2026 Youth of the Year.

A member of the Western & Southern Workforce Development Center, Hon’essty has distinguished herself through her commitment to academic success, leadership and service within the Club and throughout her community. Through her time at the Club, she has embraced opportunities to grow as a student, leader and role model for younger members.

“The Club has helped shape who I am today,” said Hon’essty. “It gave me a place where I felt supported, where people believed in me, and where I learned that my voice and my future matter. Being named Youth of the Year means so much to me, and I hope I can inspire other young people to believe in themselves and chase their goals.”

The Youth of the Year title also comes with a $20,000 college scholarship, helping support Hon’essty as she continues her educational journey and pursues her goals for the future.

Recognizing an Outstanding Finalist

This year’s competition also featured exceptional finalists who demonstrated remarkable talent, resilience and leadership.

Braylon Griffin was named the 2026 Youth of the Year Runner-Up, reflecting his own dedication to academic achievement and service to others.

Each finalist shared powerful stories of growth, perseverance and the impact that mentors, programs and friendships at the Club have had on their lives.

A Platform for Future Leaders

The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership recognition initiative. Thousands of teens participate in local competitions each year, with winners advancing to state, regional and national levels. The program celebrates young people who represent the voice and promise of America’s youth.

For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, the event is also a reminder of the organization’s broader mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential as caring, productive citizens.

Celebrating the Next Generation

Hon’essty James now moves forward as the official ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, representing the organization in the next stage of the Youth of the Year competition for the State of Ohio on Tuesday, April 14 in Columbus. There, Hon’essty will compete against approximately 12 other teens from Boys & Girls Clubs organizations within Ohio, delivering her speech and participating in a Q&A session with a panel of five judges. Our fingers are crossed that she can bring home a win, but either way we are proud of her!

Hon’essty’s journey is a testament to what happens when young people are given opportunity, mentorship and a place where they belong.

Congratulations to Hon’essty, Braylon and all of the incredible finalists who shared their stories and reminded us why great futures start at the Club.