In a powerful evening celebrating resilience, leadership, and limitless potential, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County crowned Makalah Browning of the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center in Belle Glade as the 2026 Youth of the Year at its 12th Annual Youth of the Year Dinner—an event that raised an impressive $507,000 to support local youth.

Held at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion, the evening brought together community leaders, supporters, alumni and advocates for an unforgettable program highlighting the voices and stories of seven extraordinary finalists. Each teen took the stage to deliver a compelling three-minute speech, sharing personal journeys of perseverance, ambition, and impact.

Selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process—including essays, recommendations, and panel interviews—these finalists represent the very best of Palm Beach County’s next generation of leaders.

A distinguished panel of judges included:

• Brandon Cabrera, Founder & CEO, The BrandX Company

• Mahogani Chery, Senior Director of Global Communications & Culture, Subway

• Elisa Cramer, Director, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department

• Hollani Davis, News Anchor, WPTV West Palm Beach

• Dr. Tameka Robinson, Principal of the Year, School District of Palm Beach County

• Dr. Stacy Volnick, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Florida Atlantic University

2026 Youth of the Year Finalists:

• Brooklyn Jones — Florence De George Boys & Girls Club

• Fredley Cornet — Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club

• Brendon Issac — Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton

• Samuel Satine — Marjorie S. Fisher Boys & Girls Club

• Makalah Browning — Smith & Moore Family Teen Center (Winner)

• Jeff Raymond — Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach

• Amari Benjamin — Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club

All finalists were recognized for their outstanding achievements, each receiving a brand-new laptop courtesy of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, a $500 Office Depot shopping spree, and a four-year Florida College Scholarship provided by The Fortin Family Foundation. As the 2026 Youth of the Year, Browning was awarded a transformative four-year university scholarship covering tuition, room, and board.

“Our Youth of the Year celebration is one of the most inspiring nights of the year,” said Jaene Miranda, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Each of these young leaders shared stories that moved the entire room. Their strength, determination, and vision for the future remind us exactly why our mission matters. We are incredibly proud to be part of their journey as they take their next steps toward college and beyond.

The evening was led by Event Chairs Olympia Bishop and Wilder Regalbuto, with Honorary Chairs Hon. Danielle Moore and Hon. Lesly Smith, whose leadership and support helped make the night a resounding success.

The sponsors included:

Title Sponsor: Michelle Hagerty

Great Futures Champion: The Fortin Family Foundation

Graduate Sponsors:

· Florida Power & Light

· Publix Super Markets Charities

· Robert I. Goldman Foundation

Senior Sponsor: Office Depot

Junior Sponsors:

· Olympia & Brooks Bishop

· Kim Fonseca

· Architects Design Collaborative

· Wilder & Jason Regalbuto