PORT ST. LUCIE — He came to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 8 and found a sense of belonging at his local Boys & Girls Club. He went on to become valedictorian and now the future educator has received a national honor.
Enrique Rosario Liz was named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026-27 National Youth of the Year, the highest honor a Club member can receive.
The organization named him the national winner during its National Youth of the Year celebration in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth leadership and recognition program, honoring Club members for leadership, service, academic excellence and commitment to their communities.
Rosario Liz advanced from the local Youth of the Year competition to become Florida Youth of the Year and then Southeast Youth of the Year, earning the opportunity to represent the region in the national competition.
He is one of 16,000 Club Kids in St. Lucie County, and he spent his teen years in Keystone Club and the Youth of the Year program at our Ken Pruitt Clubhouse.
“Enrique has represented St. Lucie County with heart, confidence and purpose every step of the way. To see a young man who grew up in our Clubs now represent Club kids across the country is an incredibly proud moment for our entire organization and community,” said Will Armstead, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County.
Rosario Liz developed a Spanish class for younger Club members, graduated from Port St. Lucie High School as valedictorian and is now studying elementary education at the University of Florida with plans to become a teacher.
According to the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America website, the National Youth of the Year serves as a spokesperson for millions of Club members nationwide and receives resources to help support life and career goals after high school. The award includes a $50,000 college scholarship and a new Toyota Corolla. During a special onstage presentation, Raymond James, the presenting sponsor of Youth of the Year, also contributed $25,000 to a retirement account for him.
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County provides young people with safe places, mentors, programs and opportunities designed to prepare them for success in school, work and life.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, visit www.bgcofslc.org.