GREENWICH, CT — Joell Molina, a senior at Greenwich High School, has been named the 2026 Connecticut Youth of the Year, according to an announcement from the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.
Founded in 1947, the Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program and honors contributions to family, school, community and local Boys & Girls Clubs.
The Youth of the Year title recognizes leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Molina was selected from 12 finalists across the state after being named the 2026 Youth of the Year by the Greenwich club in April.
As Connecticut Youth of the Year, Molina will serve as an ambassador for teens across the state, receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and advance to the Northeast regional Youth of the Year event.
Molina plans to attend Lehigh University in the fall to study environmental engineering.
"The Boys & Girls Club showed me that belonging isn’t something you’re born into; it’s something you build together, in places like this one where love and support await at any door," Molina said in an announcement. "I’m proof that when you give a kid a place to belong, you give them everything."
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich CERO Cristina Vittoria said Molina has served on the board of the club’s Keystone leadership program for high school students.
"The entire club, members, staff and board know that Joell has a bright future and will achieve all that he plans to accomplish. We are thrilled to have him on the board of our Keystone leadership club for high school teens, BGCG’s 2026 Youth of the Year, and now as the Connecticut State Youth of the Year," Vittoria said.
"Joell's achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the potential and success that can be found within our youth. He is a shining example for our younger members, proving that great futures start at BGCG."
Later this spring, Molina will compete with other state Youth of the Year winners for the Northeast regional title. The regional winner receives an additional $20,000 college scholarship and advances to the national competition in September 2026.
Five finalists, along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2026 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year.
The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new car.
More information about the Greenwich program is available here.
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