For more than 50 years the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland have helped raise up area kids into the best versions of themselves.

On Tuesday night, a bit of that positive role-modeling was celebrated at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland 2025 Youth of the Year award. Two impressive young ladies, Bella and Nevaeh were this year’s two nominated club kids.

Judges interviewed both nominees and got to hear each youth’s story. The judges then select one Youth of the Year winner, who will represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland and participate in a state competition with a chance to compete on the national level. The national youth of the year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.

When the judging was complete, Nevaeh won. We asked her what even being nominated for this award means to her. She said she’s proud to be representing her community and supporting her family and friends.

“We practice to become leaders to the younger kids here and support them when they need it,” Nevaeh said.

Since 1971, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland has been in the forefront of youth development in Duluth and the surrounding area.

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs is to empower and inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as caring, productive, responsible citizens.