Title
To Recognize Emmily R. as the 2026 Youth of the Year of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio
Body
WHEREAS, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio, then called the Westside Boys Club, was founded in 1948 to give boys from the Franklinton and Hilltop communities a safe space to learn, grow and have fun, and;
WHEREAS, as of 2026, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio serve kids across nine Clubs in Columbus: Champion Companies Milo-Grogan, Southside, J. Ashburn Jr., KIPP Columbus, West High School, Northland High School, Westmoor Middle School, Sherwood Middle School, and Champion Middle School, and;
WHEREAS, as of 2026, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio serve kids in Newark at the Louella Hodges Reese Clubhouse and in Marion at the Oak Street and River Valley Clubhouses, and;
WHEREAS, Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program that celebrates teens for exemplary achievements in academics, leadership, and service, and;
WHEREAS, each year, one Club teen is awarded the Youth of the Year title, serving as an ambassador for the Clubs and a voice for all members. The Youth of the Year receives the Keller Family Scholarship for post-secondary education, a new laptop, and a chance to compete for additional scholarships and recognition at the state and potentially, national level, and;
WHEREAS, this year’s celebration was held in Council Chambers where Emmily R. was honored as the 2026 Youth of the Year Awardee and was recognized for her dedication to service and leadership within her Club.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize and congratulate Emmily R. for being nominated and selected as Youth of the Year and commend her achievements in academics, leadership, and service to her community.