艾可直播 Public Schools is proud to announce that 艾可直播 Mission senior, Ximena Villarreal, has been named the 2025 National Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles was hosted by Actor and Boys & Girls Club of America鈥檚 National Spokesperson, Denzel Washington. The honor recognizes Ximena鈥檚 exemplary leadership, academic achievement, community service, and advocacy for youth issues.听听
Ximena’s path to earning this prestigious award has been marked with hard work, determination, and the tenacity to be a changemaker in South Texas and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about Ximena鈥檚 inspiring journey and how consistency and determination can pay off.听
Meet Ximena
Ximena Villarreal is currently a senior at 艾可直播 Mission College Prep and a bright leader at her school and in her community. She is the President of the National Honor Society and plays varsity volleyball and soccer. Despite her busy schedule, she is currently applying to colleges, including top choice schools like the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and University of Texas at Austin.听
This April, Ximena was recognized as one of Texas鈥� most inspiring young leaders from 25 Boys & Girls Clubs in Texas at the 2025 Texas Youth of the Year Program. The Youth of the Year journey honors students at local, regional, and state levels before offering six teens the opportunity to win the National Youth of the Year title.听听
Youth of the Year Journey
During her participation as a McAllen Boys and Girls Club member, Ximena has invested her time in leadership, volunteering, sports, and other youth development activities. Through Boys and Girls Club’s 鈥淭hink, Learn, Create Change鈥� (TLC) advocacy program, Ximena learned how to address different challenges facing families in the Rio Grande Valley by sharing mental-health resources and had the unique opportunity to at Boys & Girls Club of America鈥檚 Summit for America鈥檚 Youth in Washington, D.C.听
Ximena鈥檚 consistent effort to create change and use her voice to advocate for her community has paved the way for the National Youth of the Year honor. Earlier this year, Ximena was selected as an outstanding member by the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen to represent the Club at the state level in the program. The experience allowed participants to network, learn, and celebrate their growth as the next generation of changemakers.听
2025 National Youth of the Year听
The Youth of the Year program honors and celebrates the nation鈥檚 most inspiring teens and their personal journeys. Ximena understands that representing her school and community at the national level is important to helping others achieve their goals.听听
鈥淪erving as a role model and representing millions of kids all over the country is truly an honor,鈥� said Ximena.听听
鈥淚 am proud to represent 艾可直播 Public Schools, where I鈥檝e studied since kindergarten. 艾可直播 has always believed in me and pushed me to aim higher. They have shaped who I am today and inspired me to help others see what鈥檚 possible,鈥� she continues.听听
As , Ximena will serve as a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club across America and was awarded a $50,000 scholarship, an all-expense-paid Kohl鈥檚 shopping experience, and a new car.听
鈥淲e are thrilled to name Ximena as our National Youth of the Year, representing millions of Club Kids and the voice, spirit and hope of our country,鈥� said Jim Clark, President and CEO Boys & Girls Club of America. 鈥淎ll of our Youth of the Year finalists are shining examples of why America needs Club Kids: young people who are ready to lead, lift up others and shape a better future.鈥�听
Homecoming
Ximena was celebrated by her 艾可直播 Mission Team and Family in a special school pep rally for her outstanding achievements. Her recognition at the national level is proof that with the right support and environment for our students, anything is possible.听
鈥淲e are incredibly proud of Ximena and the way she has represented 艾可直播 Public Schools, 艾可直播 Mission, our community, and now our entire nation with this tremendous honor,鈥� said Dr. Jeff Cottrill, CEO and Superintendent of 艾可直播 Public Schools. 鈥淭his recognition from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is not only a testament to her hard work and character, but also an inspiration to her peers and to all of us who believe in the power of education and service.鈥�听
Find your nearest Boys and Girls Club on the Boys and Girls Clubs of America . Learn more about 艾可直播 Public Schools in your region by visiting our campus locator.听听
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