TELICIA CARTER HOLDING HER AWARD WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CEO, DENISE GERGLEY
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County proudly announced Telicia Carter as its 2026 Youth of the Year during a celebratory event held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Park Meadows. The annual event recognizes exceptional Club members who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, community service, and healthy lifestyles.
Youth of the Year is the highest honor awarded by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, celebrating young people who demonstrate outstanding character and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. The program is more than a competition; it is a leadership development experience that encourages participants to reflect on their personal growth, set goals for their future, and inspire others as role models.
“Today we are proud to come together to recognize and celebrate our outstanding young leaders,” said Denise Gergley, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. “Youth of the Year represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and belief in themselves as these young people discover their voices and step forward as leaders.”
Carter, a 14-year-old eighth-grade student at North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, stood out among a talented group of finalists representing Clubs across Lee County. Known for her academic excellence and leadership, she consistently earns A Honor Roll and is recognized for her wisdom, determination, and strong commitment to her education.
In addition to her academic achievements, Carter has earned recognition through organizations including Jack and Jill of America Teen Auxiliary, Delta Academy GEMS, Florida Repertory Theatre’s Historic Arcade Theatre, and Inspirational Dance Ministry, where she has strengthened her leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. She plans to attend college and pursue a career as a cardiologist, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.
During the event, attendees heard from each of the Youth of the Year finalists, whose stories highlighted perseverance, personal growth, and leadership. Finalists included Raynen Russell (Park Meadows), Aubriana Taylor (Renaissance), Telicia Carter (NFMAA), and Ashlynn Marquin Lopez (Pueblo Bonito), each selected to represent their individual Clubs across Lee County.
(JAMES STEPHENS), AND ELIAS LEDEZMA (PUEBLO BONITO)
The program also recognized the next generation of leaders through the Junior Youth of the Year participants, including Alaya Ford (Renaissance), Heavenly Walker (Lehigh), Lorenzo Simpson (James Stephens), and Elias Ledezma (Pueblo Bonito), who are already demonstrating strong leadership and preparing to follow in the footsteps of future Youth of the Year honorees.
FLORIDA PRE-PAID SCHOLARSHIP FROM
BILL TURNER AND JAYNE MALINOWSKI OF
LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNIT
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County expressed gratitude to the event sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union, our distinguished panel of judges, Brian Rist, Harlan Parrish, Bill Truner and Jayne Malinowski, along with our youth mentors, and supporters who helped guide the finalists throughout their Youth of the Year journey and continue to invest in the success of local youth.
As the 2026 Youth of the Year, Carter will go on to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County at the state Youth of the Year competition, carrying forward the Club’s mission of empowering young people and demonstrating that Great Futures Start Here.
