Mount Kisco, NY — The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) proudly hosted its 2026 Youth of the Year Awards on April 16, 2026, celebrating exceptional teens who exemplify leadership, service, academic success, and dedication to healthy lifestyles.
The evening’s top honor was awarded to Madeline Oh, a junior at Fox Lane High School, who was named the 2026 Youth of the Year.
The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Club’s premier recognition initiative, honoring young people who demonstrate outstanding character and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. These candidates reflect the Club’s mission by embodying discipline, teamwork, and resilience while actively participating in programs that prepare them for future success.
2026 Youth of the Year Winner
Madeline Oh (Junior, Fox Lane High School)
A 7-year Club member, Maddie has combined her roots in the Marlins Swim Team with leadership in fundraising and advocacy. Through her involvement at BGCNW, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and community impact. She plans to study business administration and continue applying the lessons learned through her Club experience. As the 2026 Youth of the Year, Madeline will advance to the state competition, representing Northern Westchester among the top youth leaders in New York.
2026 Youth of the Year Candidates
This year’s nominees represented a diverse and inspiring group of young leaders:
• Abigail Hehman (Junior, John Jay High School) – A 10-year Club member and dedicated Marlins Swim Team athlete, Abbey has advocated for youth programs in Albany and developed a strong sense of discipline and belonging through her involvement. She plans to study accounting and business in college.
• Brittany Aguilar Duarte (Junior, Fox Lane High School) – A 12-year Club member, junior staff member, and Vice President of the Liberty Keystone Club, Brittany has taken on numerous leadership roles, including participation in the 2024 Summer Leadership Program. An active athlete in soccer and flag football, she credits the Club as her second home and aspires to pursue a career in psychology.
• Alexander Segarra (Sophomore, Fox Lane High School) – A 12-year Club member, Alex is an active participant in Keystone Club, Student Council, and theater programs. His involvement in leadership and advocacy initiatives has inspired his goal of studying architecture.
• Kevin O’Donnell (Sophomore, John Jay High School) – An 11-year Club member, Kevin is actively involved in the Wellness Center, lifeguarding, and the Marlins Swim Team. Inspired by his mentor, Dr. Alana Pudalov, he plans to pursue a career in medicine focused on community well-being.
• Juan Lopez Correa (Senior, Fox Lane High School) – A 12-year Club member and President of the Liberty Keystone Club, Juan has been a leading youth advocate, traveling four times to Albany. A former junior staff member and multi-sport athlete, he will attend the University at Buffalo to study Exercise Medicine.
Distinguished Panel of Judges
This year’s candidates were evaluated by a respected panel of community leaders:
• Jenny Lahre, Community Volunteer – A marketing and advertising professional with experience at leading agencies, Jenny is an active community member and parent of three Marlins swimmers in Chappaqua.
• John McArthur IV, Founder of Total Force Athletics – A dedicated youth mentor and educator, John has spent his career promoting leadership, discipline, and teamwork through athletics and community partnerships aligned with the Boys & Girls Club mission.
• Luke Powell, Lower Hudson Valley Regional Representative to Governor Kathy Hochul – Based in White Plains, Powell brings extensive public service experience, having worked with Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.
“Youth of the Year is more than an award—it’s a celebration of perseverance, growth, and the limitless potential of our young people,” said Alyzza Ozer, CEO, BGCNW. “Madeline exemplifies the values of the Boys & Girls Club, and we are incredibly proud to have her represent our organization at the next level.”
As the BGCNW Youth of the Year, Madeline Oh will advance to the state level and may ultimately compete for the title of National Youth of the Year, the highest honor awarded by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, recognizing one outstanding teen as a leading voice for youth nationwide.
About Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Through programs focused on education, leadership, and wellness, BGCNW empowers youth to build great futures.
For more information, please visit: https://bgcnw.com/
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