Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) celebrated its Junior Youth of the Year
representatives during a special ceremony recognizing their leadership, personal growth,
and commitment to making a difference in their communities.

The ceremony honored our outstanding junior representatives while also serving as a preliminary round for our Senior Youth of the Year representatives with a valuable opportunity to present their speeches, display their presentation skills, and prepare for our highly anticipated Youth of the Year
Gala on November 6; where the top 5 nominees will be announced, and one 2026 Youth of
the Year will be selected. You can learn more about this years’ nominees here.

Vallen G. of the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club was named the 2026-2027 Junior
Youth of the Year. Overwhelmed with excitement when his name was announced, Vallen
recalled the moment with a smile. Vallen received a $1,500 scholarship on behalf of
BGCMA.

“I was like, I am not [going to] win. When they announced my name, I started jumping up
and down. When I was coming on stage, I was like, Vallen, get your act together. But I am
happy I won,” he said. Vallen’s winning speech discussed his personal journey with mental health and the impact the Club has had on his life.

“I’ve battled with my mental health since around fourth or fifth grade, being a boy who
wanted to dance and stuff like that. The Boys & Girls Club showed me how love looks in a
different way,” he said.

His mother, Qshawna Jones, said she was proud to see his hard work pay off.
“He worked so hard for this. Anything he puts his mind to, he can achieve,” Jones said.
Rosiland Williams, executive director of the Joseph B. Whitehead Club, also praised
Vallen’s dedication and growth.

“I am very proud of Vallen and all his hard work and dedication to the Club. He really [shone] today, and I was happy to witness it,” Williams said. The ceremony also brought the experience full circle for Brianna Murphy, a Boys & Girls Clubs alumna who returned to serve as a judge. Having been part of the organization since she was 12, Murphy said she was excited to see the next generation of young leaders take the stage.

“For me, this was a full-circle moment. Congratulations to everyone. There were so many
beautiful, wonderful, awesome representatives, and I am looking forward to the amazing
things these youth will do in the future,” Murphy said.

This year’s runners-up included Kaidyn W. from Jesse Draper Club in second place and
Aiden T. representing A. Worley Brown Club, finishing third and receiving a $1,000 and $750
scholarship respectively.

As preparations continue for the gala, BGCMA encourages the community to celebrate
these young leaders and support its mission to help all young people reach their full
potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

Join us virtually in celebrating our Youth of the Year representatives as they prepare for
November 6. Together, with your support, we can continue creating opportunities for young
people to lead, inspire, and shape a brighter future for Metro Atlanta!

Learn more about how you can support our mission and make a lasting impact to enable all
young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens at: www.bgcma.org