ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — June 11, 2026 — Boys & Girls Clubs of America has named Aryiane H., a member of Boys &Girls Club of Atlantic City, as the 2026 Northeast Youth of the Year. The honor recognizes Aryiane as one of the Northeast region’s most inspiring teen leaders and celebrates her commitment to academic excellence, service,leadership and creating positive change in her community.

As Northeast Youth of the Year, Aryiane will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and advance to compete for the National Youth of the Year title this fall. An 11-year member of Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Aryiane’s journey reflects the transformative impact of caring mentors, meaningful opportunities and a supportive community.

Aryiane credits her Club mentor, Ms. Karen, for providing the encouragement and guidance she needed when she first joined as a kindergartner – helping her develop a love of learning and the confidence to find her voice.

Today, Aryiane is known as a student leader, mentor, and advocate who uses that voice to uplift others and champion fairness in her community. She credits the Club as a constant source of support throughout her childhood. Through programs like Junior Staff and Keystone Club, Aryiane built leadership skills, learned how to mentor younger members, and discovered a passion for advocacy and public service.

Aryiane plans to attend Stockton University to study Political Science and pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney, advocating for individuals who are often overlooked and ensuring their voices are heard. Throughout high school, she has represented her community through public speaking engagements, civic leadership opportunities and service initiatives, while also serving as President of her school’s Future Educators Club and a leadership officer in JROTC. Her personal philosophy reflects the impact of her Club experience: “You cannot be what you cannot see, but the Club has shown me what I can see and what I can do.”

“Aryiane’s selection as Northeast Youth of the Year is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the hard work, leadership, and character she has demonstrated throughout her journey at Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City,” said Tracey Triniwell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “For more than a decade, we have watched her grow into a confident advocate, mentor, and leader who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. She embodies the values of the Youth of the Year program and serves as an inspiring example of what is possible when young people are given the support, opportunities, and encouragement to reach their full potential. We are incredibly proud of Aryiane and excited to cheer her on as she competes for the National Youth of the Year title.”

This fall, Aryiane will join fellow Youth of the Year finalists from each U.S. region to vie for the honor of National Youth of the Year. As the highest honor a Club member can receive, the National Youth of the Year is awarded an additional $50,000 scholarship and the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America,representing more than 4 million Club kids and teens.

“Youth of the Year is a powerful reflection of what young people can achieve when they have access to caring mentors, meaningful opportunities and a strong support system,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys &Girls Clubs of America. “The young leaders recognized through this program demonstrate remarkable resilience,determination and a commitment to serving others. Aryiane embodies the very best of what Youth of the Year represents, and we are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and the positive impact she is making in her community.”