Ava M. Named Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota And DeSoto Counties’ 2025 Youth of The Year

March 14, 2025 | Sarasota

On March 7, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties presented its prestigious 2025 Youth of the Year title to local Pine View School student Ava M. during the annual Youth of the Year Celebration, formerly named Steak & Burger.

Four other outstanding teens were in the running for the honor. Each exemplifies the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission and is proof of the impact the Clubs make in transforming lives:

 *   Angel V., Imagine North Port, 12th Grade
 *   Liam D., Pine View School, 11th Grade
 *   Nazaria D., Sarasota High School, 12th Grade
 *   Sophie B., Riverview High School, 12th Grade

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Youth of the Year: A Brief History
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the premier recognition program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that fosters a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global, and integrated world economy. The program celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Club members across the nation. Candidates compete at the local Club, state, and regional levels with hopes of attending the national celebration. Youth who compete for these titles embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

Ava is a senior at Pine View School and a member of the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club. She was first introduced to the Club through the Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) Leadership Program in 2021.

According to Ava, “The Club has helped me develop two key qualities: leadership and a passion for service. It has shown me that I can take charge, guide groups to success, and inspire diverse perspectives.”

Since 2015, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has proudly celebrated six Florida Youth of the Year winners, one state runner-up, three Southeast Youth of the Year winners, one regional runner-up, and one National Youth of the Year.

“Ava demonstrates the leadership, dedication, and compassion that our organization aims to cultivate in youth. Her growth reflects the powerful impact of the teen programs, and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire and lead with purpose. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to cheering her on as she represents us at the state level,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO.

Ava’s commitment to service extends beyond her participation in the Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) program. Her involvement within The Club totals over seven programs, including Cultural Immersion, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Ambassador’s Club, Youth Council, Advocacy 101, and more. She was also recently invited to represent Boys & Girls Clubs of America at The Advocacy Conference in Fort Lauderdale where she took the stage during “Your Grassroots Program Would Be Nothing Without Your Advocates,” sharing how real stories and grassroots action can drive real change.

After graduation, Ava will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she plans to study Chemistry on the Pre-Med track with the ultimate goal of becoming a field surgeon, combining her passion for medicine with her dedication to service.
Learn more at bgcsdc.org<https://bgcsdc.org/>