For the 35th year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson (BGCT) celebrated exceptional young people from across six Tucson Clubhouses, honoring a citywide winner, two citywide runners-up, and winners from each Club. The ceremony was recently held at the newly remodeled Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse before a crowd of about 200.
Each year, two youth are selected from each of the six Clubhouses through an interview and application process. Every selected youth receives a scholarship to support their academic pursuits. Of those Clubhouse winners, one candidate is chosen as the City of Tucson Youth of the Year.
“Youth of the Year is about three things: honoring extraordinary young people, celebrating the families and mentors who support them, and bringing together the community that makes their success possible,” said Tony Penn, Interim Chief Executive Officer.
The 2026 City of Tucson’s Youth of the Year (YOY) winner, Aubrianna Lopez, is a recent Sunnyside High School graduate and a 10-year member at the Roy Drachman Clubhouse. In her remarks, she spoke about overcoming cyberbullying, finding a trusted safe space at BGCT, and growing into the Club’s Keystone President. She plans to pursue a degree in education at the University of Arizona.
Jayden Betters (2026 City of Tucson YOY First Runner-Up), from Steve Daru Clubhouse, serves as Torch Club President and Keystone Treasurer. He has a passion for photography and will contribute as a team photographer for the yearbook at Pueblo Magnet High School.
Oriana Flores-Saldivar (2026 City of Tucson YOY Second Runner-Up), from Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse, served as Keystone Treasurer. Entering her junior year at Pueblo Magnet High School, she hopes to study business at Northern Arizona University.
Additional Clubhouse Youth of the Year Winners
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- Frank & Edith Morton Clubhouse: Brooke Herrell
- Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse: Mia Robles
- Jim & Vicki Click Clubhouse: Breanda Brujan
Clubhouse Runners-Up
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- Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse: Hiliana Chavez
- Jim & Vicki Click Clubhouse: Justin Hernandez
- Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse: Yoheved Begay
- Roy Drachman Clubhouse: Jeraya Boswell
- Steve Daru Clubhouse: Sadie Cervantes-Chavez
The stories shared at the 35th Annual Youth of the Year Celebration reflect what becomes possible when young people have access to the right resources, mentors, and opportunities. Through programs focused on leadership, education, career development, and life skills, BGCT works every day to help Tucson’s youth build confidence, discover their potential, and shape their futures.
That work is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow. With the launch of its 2026 Annual Campaign, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson is inviting the community to help ensure no child is turned away because of financial hardship. A gift to the Annual Campaign helps keep year-round membership at just $20 and all-day summer camp at $70—providing thousands of Southern Arizona children with a safe environment, educational programs, transportation, nutritious meals, and caring mentors.
Thank you to our sponsors
