Master of Ceremonies: Jaime Gallegos, Director of Operations, BGCNV
Welcome: TBD, Meritage Resort and Spa
Opening Remarks: Chris Cabaldon, California State Senate
Closing Remarks: TBD,
Judges
Morning at a glance
PROGRAM PART 1
7:30 AM Registration& Breakfast
8:10 AM Judges Orientation
8:15 AM Welcome & Sponsor Rec
8:30 AM Interviews: Round 1
9:15 AM Judges Deliberation
10:00 AM Break
10:20 AM Round 1 Announcement
10:25 AM Interviews: Round 2
11:30 AM Judges Deliberation
Event at a glance
PROGRAM PART 2
MC: Jaime Gallegos
12:00 Awards Luncheon
12:05 Welcome & Recognition
12:10 Keynote, Senator Chris Cabaldon
12:15 Finalist Speeches
12:50 Scholarship Recognition
12:55 Finalists Announcement
Senator Cabaldon is a visionary leader with a long-standing dedication to education, equity, and youth empowerment, making him the perfect voice to inspire our audience of young leaders, community members, and supporters.
For over two decades, Christopher Cabaldon has championed issues that impact young people and their communities. Before his election to the California State Senate, he served as the mayor of West Sacramento for nearly 20 years, earning recognition as one of the nation's most innovative municipal leaders. Under his leadership, West Sacramento became a model for forward-thinking public policy, particularly in the areas of education, workforce development, and youth engagement.
As mayor, Senator Cabaldon spearheaded initiatives to improve educational outcomes for young people, expand access to career training, and create pathways for leadership and civic engagement. One of his hallmark achievements was the development of the West Sacramento Home Run program, a groundbreaking initiative that connects education, mentorship, and workforce opportunities to ensure that every child in the community has a chance to succeed. This program has served as a blueprint for similar efforts nationwide, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to investing in future generations.
Senator Cabaldon's dedication to youth development extends beyond his work in local government. As an advocate for higher education and workforce readiness, he has served in leadership roles with the California Student Aid Commission and the Linked Learning Alliance, where he championed programs that bridge the gap between education and career success. His advocacy has helped create opportunities for countless young Californians to access the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Now, as a member of the California State Senate, Senator Cabaldon brings his passion for equity and opportunity to the state level. His policy priorities include expanding access to affordable education, addressing disparities in underserved communities, and fostering environments where young people can realize their full potential. His work embodies the spirit of the Youth of the Year program: empowering young leaders to overcome obstacles, share their stories, and drive change in their communities.
Senator Cabaldon’s lifelong commitment to uplifting youth and fostering equitable opportunities resonates deeply with the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs. His leadership demonstrates the profound impact that mentorship, education, and community support can have in shaping the future.
Meritage Resort and Spa has established itself as a cornerstone of community support in Napa Valley, blending luxury hospitality with a commitment to uplifting local youth. This commitment is exemplified through their sponsorship of the 2025 Northern California Youth of the Year Competition, an event that celebrates the achievements of young leaders and inspires others to pursue their potential.
The Youth of the Year program is the Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier leadership initiative, honoring exceptional youth who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and dedication to their communities. Meritage’s in-kind sponsorship, valued at $25,000, includes the use of their state-of-the-art facilities, audiovisual support, and meals, ensuring the competition remains accessible and impactful.
Meritage’s partnership goes beyond logistics. It reflects a shared belief in the importance of empowering young leaders. Their sponsorship supports the program’s goals of nurturing confidence, leadership, and community engagement among youth. For the finalists, the event is more than recognition it is a life-changing moment that amplifies their voices and validates their aspirations.
This sponsorship is part of Meritage’s long-standing collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs, highlighting their ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Over the years, their involvement has extended to other key events and initiatives, demonstrating a deep alignment with the organization’s mission to build great futures.
Through this partnership, Meritage plays a critical role in fostering equity and accessibility, ensuring that young leaders from across Northern California can participate fully in the competition and banquet. Their support also sets a powerful example of how businesses can work with nonprofits to create meaningful, lasting change in their communities.
Meritage Resort and Spa’s contributions serve as a reminder of the profound impact that community-focused partnerships can have. By investing in the potential of young people, Meritage is not only shaping individual lives but also contributing to the future of Napa Valley and beyond.
For Meritage, success is measured not just in luxury hospitality but in the importance of building a community of care. Their partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs underscores the importance of collective effort in empowering the next generation of leaders, reminding us that when businesses and communities unite, the possibilities are endless.
We are thrilled to partner with the Meritage Resort and Spa to offer a special room rate for attendees of the Northern California Youth of the Year Competition. Enjoy the luxury of this beautiful Napa Valley resort and make the most of your weekend.
To book your stay:
1. Visit the Meritage Resort website Here or use the QR Code
2. Enter the promo code: YOY25 during the booking process.
3. Secure your room early, as availability is limited. Take advantage of this exclusive offer to enhance your experience at the event and enjoy all that the Meritage has to offer!
Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events until the final six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, are selected to advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration. Of these six, one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year.
The National Youth of the Year is a role model, leader and advocate for over 4.6 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year, and all of America’s young people. Each nominee has completed three essays on the topics of their Club experience, what matters to them most, and overcoming obstacles. Tonight they will all have the opportunity to share their Club journey but only one will advance to the next stage of the competition.
At the Boys & Girls Club, we believe in the importance of recognizing youth for their personal achievements as a vehicle for inspiration, encouragement and success. Becoming Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each of the candidates you will meet tonight were identified through years of participation both at our Teen Programs and through our elementary school programs. These teens have invested weeks in mentoring, volunteering, and crafting their message with staff and advisors. Of the over 5,000 youth that walk through our doors every year, only a handful are offered the opportunity to participate tonight. These youth are more than they appear; they are the cornerstones of what the Boys & Girls Clubs of America represents and strives to achieve.
Alameda Boys & Girls Club www.alamedabgc.org
Boys & Girls Club of Big Valley Rancheria www.bvrancheria.com/boysandgirlsclub
Boys & Girls Club of Coyote Valley
Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County Western Slope www.bgce.org
Boys & Girls Club of Fresno American Indian Health Project
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Shasta www.bgcgreatershasta.org
Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe www.bgclt.org
Boys & Girls Club of Manteca www.bgmanteca.org
Boys & Girls Club of Merced County www.bgcmerced.org
Boys & Girls Club of Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians
Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe www.bgcnlt.org
Boys & Girls Club of Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi
Boys & Girls Club of Pinoleville Pomo Nation www.ppnbgc.org/
Boys & Girls Club of Placer County www.bgcplacercounty.org
Boys & Girls Club of Round Valley Indian Health Center
Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside www.bgccoastside.org
Boys & Girls Club of the Hoopa Valley Tribe
Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods www.bgcredwoods.org
Boys & Girls Club of the Wukchumni Tribe
Boys & Girls Club of Tracy www.bgctracy.org
Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah www.ukiahbgc.org
Boys & Girls Club of Wilton Rancheria
Boys & Girls Club of Yurok Tribe
Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa www.bgccontracosta.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County www.bgclubfc.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento www.bgcsac.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County www.bgcmc.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley www.begreatnv.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County www.theclubs.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland www.bgcoakland.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco www.kidsclub.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County www.boysandgirlsclub.info
Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley www.bgclub.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley www.bgcsonoma.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin www.bgcsonomamarin.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga, Inc. www.bgcshc.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County, Inc. www.bgcstan.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley www.bgcnv.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula www.bgcp.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias www.bgcsequoias.org
Lodi Boys & Girls Club www.bgclodi.org
San Leandro Boys & Girls Club www.bgcsl.org
Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club www.vnbgc.com
Questions shape me, not answers. This is My Voice.
