07-04-2025
Pine View student named 2025 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota/DeSoto
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties recently honored Pine View School student Ava M. as the 2025 Youth of the Year local during the organization's annual Youth of the Year Celebration.
Ava, a senior at Pine View School and a member of the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, was first introduced to the Club through the Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) Leadership Program in 2021.
'The Club has helped me develop two key qualities: leadership and a passion for service," Ava said. "It has shown me that I can take charge, guide groups to success, and inspire diverse perspectives."
Four other outstanding teens were in the running for the honor, including:
· Angel V., Imagine North Port, 12th grade.
· Liam D., Pine View School, 11th grade.
· Nazaria D., Sarasota High School, 12th grade.
· Sophie B., Riverview High School, 12th grade.
The Youth of the Year has been the premier recognition program since 1947 of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, fostering a new generation of leaders prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global, and integrated world economy. The program celebrates the achievements of Club members across the nation. Candidates who embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles compete at the local, state, and regional levels with hopes of attending the national celebration.
Since 2015, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has celebrated six Florida Youth of the Year winners, one state runner-up, three Southeast Youth of the Year winners, one regional runner-up, and one National Youth of the Year.
"Ava demonstrates the leadership, dedication, and compassion that our organization aims to cultivate in youth," aid Bill Sadlo, president/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. "Her growth reflects the powerful impact of the teen programs, and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire and lead with purpose. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to cheering her on as she represents us at the state level."
Ava's commitment to service extends beyond the STAR program. Her involvement within the Club includes more than seven programs, including Cultural Immersion, Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, Ambassador's Club, Youth Council, and Advocacy 101.
Ava was also recently invited to represent Boys & Girls Clubs of America at The Advocacy Conference in Fort Lauderdale, where she took the stage during 'Your Grassroots Program Would Be Nothing Without Your Advocates,' sharing how real stories and grassroots action can drive real change.
After graduation, Ava will be attending the U.S. Military Academy, where she plans to study chemistry on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a field surgeon, combining her passion for medicine with her dedication to service.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been a leading youth-serving organization since 1970, providing enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, in Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. The organization's mission is to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Boys & Girls Clubs programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit or call 941-366-3911.
Submitted by Erin Guzzo
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Pine View student honored as Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs
