It’s official. The seven Club finalists have been named by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. This marks the beginning of a life-changing journey for these talented Club members. From personal and professional development to networking and community service, these teens will explore and learn new skills and strengths over the coming months.
Once again the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation will provide each finalist a four-year college scholarship, and the ultimate winner will receive a four-year scholarship that includes room and board. The Youth of the Year process will culminate in an inspiring event where each finalist will get to share their stories with an audience of board members, community partners, families, and peers.
The 2026 finalists are:
Amari Benjamin
Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club
- Attends Riviera Beach Preparatory Academy
- Dream college: Florida Atlantic University
- Plans to study: Mechanical engineering
- Achievements: Honor roll, awards in weightlifting, and playing on the basketball team
Makalah Browning
Smith & Moore Family Teen Center
- Attends Glades Central Community High School
- Dream college: Grand Canyon University
- Plans to study: Social and health science
- Achievements: Passion for photography and filmmaking, becoming a leader
Fredley Cornet
Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club
- Attends John I. Leonard High School
- Dream college: Florida A&M University
- Plans to study: Civil Engineering
- Achievements: Creating a podcast, playing basketball, football, swimming, and soccer
Brendon Isaac
Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton
- Attends: Boca Raton High School
- Dream college: Florida Atlantic University
- Plans to study: Business
- Achievements: Dedication to community service, playing football and basketball
Brooklyn Jones
Florence De George Boys & Girls Club
- Attends: Palm Beach Lakes High School
- Dream college: University of South Carolina
- Plants to study: Mental health
- Achievements: Leadership programs, community service, helping lead her basketball team to states
Jeff Raymond
Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach
- Attends: Atlantic Community High School
- Dream college: University of Miami
- Plans to study: Construction management
- Achievements: Passion for playing drums, community leadership, and mentoring
Samuel Satine
Marjorie S. Fisher Boys & Girls Club
- Attends: Royal Palm Beach High School
- Dream college: Florida Atlantic University
- Plants to study: Entrepreneurship and HVAC
- Achievements: Personal growth, leadership, and mentoring
The finalists were selected to represent their Club by a preliminary competition that included a comprehensive application, three essays, three letters of recommendation, and an interview in front of a panel of community leaders. At the Youth of the Year dinner, the seven finalists will give a three-minute speech, and the judges will decide the winner.
“Congratulations to these seven incredible individuals who have worked tirelessly to become leaders within the Clubs and their communities. These finalists best represent the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County,” said Jaene Miranda, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Special thanks to our impressive sponsors who make it possible for these scholarships to help these finalists achieve their academic dreams.”
Our finalists are ready to take on Youth of the Year 2026, but they can’t do it alone! Click the button below to see how you can support them on this journey.
Each of our finalists will have their special highlight across our social media platforms, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to get to know our 2026 Youth of the Year Finalists!
