Joell Molina has been named the 2026 State of Connecticut Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.
Joell is a senior at Greenwich High School who will attend Lehigh University in the fall to study environmental engineering. Joell was named the 2026 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich in April and was selected from among twelve outstanding finalists from across the state. Now in its 79th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Connecticut Youth of the Year, Joell will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and will advance to the Northeast regional Youth of the Year event.
“The Boys & Girls Club showed me that belonging isn’t something you’re born into; it’s something you build together, in places like this one where love and support await at any door,” said Molina. “I’m proof that when you give a kid a place to belong, you give them everything.”
Cristina Vittoria, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich said, “The entire Club, members, staff and board know that Joell has a bright future and will achieve all that he plans to accomplish. We are thrilled to have him on the board of our Keystone leadership club for high school teens, BGCG’s 2026 Youth of the Year, and now as the Connecticut State Youth of the Year. Joell's achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the potential and success that can be found within our youth. He is a shining example for our younger members, proving that GREAT FUTURES start at BGCG!”
Founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year program is supported by Raymond James. As the Presenting Partner of Youth of the Year, Raymond James is committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop, and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work. Youth of the Year representatives are the workforce leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Later this spring, Joell will join other state Youth of the Year to vie for the Northeast regional title. If named the regional Youth of the Year, he will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2026 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new car.
