The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester hosted its 2026 Youth of the Year Awards on April 16, recognizing teens for leadership, service, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles.
The top honor went to Madeline Oh, a junior at Fox Lane High School, who was named the 2026 Youth of the Year.
The program is the organization’s premier recognition initiative, honoring young people who demonstrate strong character and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Oh, a seven-year club member, has combined her experience on the Marlins Swim Team with leadership in fundraising and advocacy. She plans to study business administration. As Youth of the Year, she will advance to the state competition representing northern Westchester.
2026 Youth of the Year candidates included:
- Abigail Hehman, a junior at John Jay High School and 10-year club member, who has advocated for youth programs in Albany and plans to study accounting and business.
- Brittany Aguilar Duarte, a junior at Fox Lane High School and 12-year club member, who serves as a junior staff member and vice president of the Liberty Keystone Club. She plans to pursue a career in psychology.
- Alexander Segarra, a sophomore at Fox Lane High School and 12-year club member, who is active in Keystone Club, student council and theater and plans to study architecture.
- Kevin O’Donnell, a sophomore at John Jay High School and 11-year club member, who participates in the Wellness Center, lifeguarding and the Marlins Swim Team. He plans to pursue a career in medicine.
- Juan Lopez Correa, a senior at Fox Lane High School and 12-year club member, who serves as president of the Liberty Keystone Club and will attend the University at Buffalo to study exercise medicine.
The candidates were evaluated by a panel of community leaders, including Jenny Lahre, a marketing professional and community volunteer; John McArthur IV, founder of Total Force Athletics; and Luke Powell, lower Hudson Valley regional representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Youth of the Year is more than an award — it’s a celebration of perseverance, growth and the potential of our young people,” said Alyzza Ozer, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester.
Oh will advance to the state level, with the opportunity to compete for the national Youth of the Year title.
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester provides programs focused on education, leadership and wellness to support youth development.
