bgclublb.org\/YOY<\/a>.<\/p>\nHere is a look at each of the finalists based on their biographies and their Interviews with the judges:<\/p>\n
J\u2019miya Lomeli<\/p>\n
Lomeli, a Poly High School student, said one accomplishment that sparked a period of personal growth for her was the moment she accepted a leadership role within her community.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first, I wasn\u2019t sure I was ready,\u201d she said. \u201cI knew I cared about people, and I knew I wanted to make a difference, but stepping into a position where others would look to me for guidance felt intimidating. Still, I relied on the strengths that have always carried me: my empathy, my willingness to listen and my determination to show up for others even when it\u2019s difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said she began to understand the impact of simply being present with someone.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes, all someone needed was a person who would listen without judgment or offer gentle encouragement at the right moment,\u201d she said. \u201cIn those interactions, I learned that leadership is less about giving orders and more about creating an environment where people feel safe, supported and capable of growing. I also discovered that my own confidence grew when I focused less on perfection and more on connection.\u201d<\/p>\n
Developing an understanding of others, she said, is important.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt reminds us that everyone carries their own challenges, strengths and stories,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen we take the time to recognize those differences, we build stronger relationships and more inclusive communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
This experience, Lomeli said, taught her that personal growth often begins \u201cthe moment we choose to step forward not because we feel fully prepared, but because we are willing to learn. And, in learning about others, I learned more about myself than I ever expected.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lomeli said her goal is to become a lawyer or a registered nurse.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want a job where I can protect people or help them heal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
B&G Teen Director Chilon Woodard, in recommending Lomeli as a candidate for the award, said the teen has played a key role in the organization\u2019s Keystone leadership development program.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer confidence grew through her participation in Keystone, allowing her natural spark to shine,\u201d Woodard said. \u201cI have seen her become increasingly expressive and assertive in her leadership role.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dahnya Potts<\/p>\n
Potts, also a Poly High School student, said that being a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs has had a huge impact on her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has given me opportunities to grow in leadership skills and handle setbacks,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve faced my share of difficult challenges both inside and outside of the club and school, and the club was always here to support me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Potts always worried about making changes and meeting new people, she said, but the Boys & Girls Clubs taught her not to be afraid of making changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will always be changes in life,\u201d she said, \u201cand all we can do is make the best out of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said she also learned that being a good listener is as important as being a good speaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you understand someone\u2019s story, you\u2019re more likely to lend a hand,\u201d Potts said. \u201cIt\u2019s important because it breaks down barriers and builds bridges. Understanding others helps you navigate conflicts and find common ground. It\u2019s the foundation of any strong relationship, whether personal or professional. And when we understand each other, we can achieve way more together than we ever could alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mental health is an important issue to work on to improve someone\u2019s life,Potts said.<\/p>\n
Potts also wants to continue her work in helping younger kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy working with kids,\u201d she said, \u201cI hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams, just as my experiences have inspired me to become a pediatrician.\u201d<\/p>\n
Potts said her hobbies, such as art, music, baking and physical activities, has helped her realize \u201cthat there\u2019s more to life than our phones by providing real-world connections, which are beyond digital screens.\u201d<\/p>\n
In recommending Potts as a candidate for the youth award, Woodard\u00a0said she \u201chas a soft-spoken presence, but her thoughts and opinions are very loud and influential. She has found her voice, risen to the highest levels of club leadership and backed her commitment with academic success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samajahe King<\/p>\n
King, a Cabrillo High School student, said growing up was never simple for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were constant distractions, challenges and complications that made it hard to stay focused on school and my goals,\u201d she said. \u201cAt times, I found myself slipping into the wrong crowds, hanging out with people who didn\u2019t have my best interests at heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
But joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach was a turning point in her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalking through those doors gave me a chance to reset, to find a safe place where I could grow and be myself,\u201d King said. \u201cThe club didn\u2019t just give me activities, it gave me guidance, structure and a community that believed in me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dancing programs with coach Amber Leake was one of the most transformative experiences she had ever had, King said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe saw potential in me when I didn\u2019t see it in in myself,\u201d King said. \u201cShe pushed me to step out of my shell, to perform with confidence and to embrace my voice. Because of her mentorship, I went from being shy and uncertain to winning first place in dance competitions, performing in parades and representing the club with pride.\u201d<\/p>\n
King said if she had to describe the B&G Clubs in one word it would be \u201ccommunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the place where I found my voice, my confidence and my purpose,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is where ordinary kids like me become extraordinary leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether she is dancing or running track, King said, being active allows her to release stress and stay focused. Dancing, she said, is not just about performing, but also about expressing emotions, telling stories and building confidence. Running track, meanwhile, has taught her discipline and endurance.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth pursuits remind me that life is not only about reaching the finish line,\u201d King said, \u201cbut also about embracing the process, finding happiness in the effort and celebrating growth along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
King said she wants to study psychology in college and use that knowledge to help others \u2014 especially young people who face challenges in their lives.<\/p>\n
George Walton, assistant principal at Cabrillo High School, said King leads by example, whether encouraging teammates on the track field, collaborating with peers during dance rehearsals or helping amplify student voices through the Black Student Union.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing that sets Samajahe\u00a0apart is her ability to inspire,\u201d he said. \u201cHer optimism and presence naturally moves others to show up as their best selves. Her genuine kindness, strong work ethic and responsible decision-making reflect a maturity well beyond their years.\u201d<\/p>\n
These relatively short descriptions of each finalist\u2019s life shows how difficult it was for judges to select a Youth of the Year.<\/p>\n
Joining me in that task were Stuart Ledsam, Kam Baboff, Olga Chavez, Emani Jammott (2023 Youth of Year recipient), Tamara Achauer, Dr. Cara Askew (Cal State Long Beach), Dr. Nohel Corral (Long Beach City College), Debbie Uba and Dr. Grant Uba.<\/p>\n
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