SCOTTSDALE, Ariz (March 29, 2025) — Emma F., a 17-year-old senior at Desert Mountain High School and a member of the Virginia G. Piper Branch for 12 years, has been named the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) Youth of the Year. The announcement was made at the Celebrate Youth Gala presented by Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. on March 29 at The Phoenician. Emma will now advance to compete in the Arizona State Youth of the Year competition in April.

Emma was selected from an outstanding field of five finalists, including Brandon L. from the Vestar Branch, Damien V. from the Thunderbirds Branch, Daniela S. from the Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch, and Madigan C. from the Mary Ellen & Robert McKee Branch. At the Gala, Emma was awarded a $30,000 scholarship, while each of the four finalists received a $2,500 scholarship, generously funded by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Foundation.

The Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year program is the highest honor a Club member can achieve. It recognizes outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. Youth of the Year honorees serve as representatives and role models for Club youth across the nation.

Emma’s journey with BGCS has shaped her into the confident and compassionate leader she is today. Through the Club, she has developed resilience and a passion for advocacy. Despite facing personal challenges, Emma has persevered with determination, excelling in academics and community service. She has been actively involved in the Keystone Club, participated in the Think, Learn, and Create conference in Washington, D.C., and worked with legislators to improve resources for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her experiences, Emma and her peers established a financial assistance fund to support families burdened by medical debt.

“Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve—your potential is limitless,” Emma advises younger Club members. Her plans after graduation include moving to Ireland for college, with the aspiration of one day working for the United Nations to aid people in crisis.

Emma captivated the audience at the Celebrate Youth Gala with her heartfelt speech, sharing seven life lessons learned through her years at the Club. From perseverance in the face of setbacks to finding her voice as an advocate for others, her story exemplifies the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in fostering resilience, leadership, and service.

“I am incredibly proud of Emma and all of our Youth of the Year finalists,” said Ivan Gilreath, BGCS President & CEO. “Emma’s dedication, perseverance, and passion for service embody the values we strive to instill in all of our Club members. We look forward to seeing her continue to make a difference in the world.”

For more information about the Youth of the Year program and how Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale empowers youth to reach their full potential, visit www.bgcs.org.