Ezekiel H. of New Albany Boys & Girls Club named 2026 North Mississippi YOUTH OF THE YEAR

 

 

This week, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi (BGCNMS) named Ezekiel H., member of the New Albany Boys & Girls Club, their 2026 Youth of the Year.

Youth of the Year (YOY) winners from five local Clubs administered by BGCNMS competed before a panel of judges for the distinct honor of being named the organization’s YOY.  Also representing Clubs were Alonzo J. of Oxford, Amira J. of Ripley and Jayla L.and Payton E. of Tupelo.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The program was founded more than 75 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation. To achieve the title of Youth of the Year, Club members must embody the values of leadership and service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles and also exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.

This year’s judges were Rosemary Rutledge, Ray Shoemaker & Eddie Prather.

In March, Ezekiel will represent the organization in State competition competing with other BGC youth from across Mississippi for the title of Mississippi Youth of the Year. The winner of the State competition receives $2,500 in scholarships to the college of their choice.