Audrey B. was selected as the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s 2026 Youth of the Year after an extensive application process that included multiple essays, interviews, and a three-minute speech delivered to a panel of eight judges. She was chosen from four candidates, according to an organization press release.
The ceremony marked the first time the annual event was held at the new Dena Teen Center, a 10,000-square-foot facility at 2020 N. Fair Oaks Avenue that opened in August 2025 to serve high school students from Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier national leadership recognition, focusing on Club involvement, community service, and personal growth. The program has recognized young people for outstanding leadership and service for more than 75 years.
Audrey was selected based on what the organization described as her growth into a leader. According to the press release, she faced challenges in school and her personal life, overcoming them with the support of the Club. She helps lead activities for younger Club members and is described as a dependable and compassionate friend to her peers.
Her active Club participation includes the Image Makers photography program, which allowed her to discover her voice and express her emotions through photography. She also joined volleyball, which taught her resilience and the strength of leaning on her team, according to the organization.
“Audrey is a wonderful representative of our Club as our 2026 Youth of the Year,” said Lisa Cavelier, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. “Her involvement in athletics, leadership development, and creative programs highlight the many opportunities available to the teens we serve.”
The judging panel included five Board members: Melina Montoya, Board Chair; Lola Osborne of the City of Pasadena; Jeff Scofield of RBC Wealth Management; Carl Siechert, retired from Littlemachineshop.com; and John Stipanov of Preferred Bank. Additional judges were Joe Ford, a former Club employee and Board member; Lisa Barrios, field representative for Pasadena City Councilmember Justin Jones; and Margaret Mgrublian, a Club supporter and philanthropist.
The other candidates were Alex O., Chelsie S., and Jenna Q.
The Dena Teen Center, powered by Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, College Access Plan, and Young and Healthy, offers programming focused on college access and career development, as well as arts, sports, and technology. High school students from Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre have access to the facility’s programs at no cost.
The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena was founded in 1937. The organization operates five locations in the area: the Dena Teen Center, Slavik Branch on E. Del Mar Boulevard, Mackenzie-Scott Branch on N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Odyssey Charter School, and Kings Villages. Its programs focus on academic success, healthy lifestyle, life and workforce readiness, and character and leadership.
At the county competition in March, Audrey will compete against Youth of the Year winners from other Los Angeles County Boys & Girls Clubs. Winners can advance to state, regional, and national competitions, with scholarship opportunities at each level.
For more information: www.bgcpasadena.
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