Join us at the beautiful Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, for an inspiring celebration of our Youth of the Year Finalists. Hear their powerful stories of resilience and leadership, and share in the excitement as we announce the 2025 Youth of the Year.
Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared brunch by the talented chefs at Aulani, along with special guest appearances, including Washington Commanders Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who will join us to inspire and uplift our teens. And who knows—Mickey Mouse might just stop by to say Aloha!
Celebrate. Inspire. Experience the magic. Don’t miss the 2025 Youth of the Year Celebration!
Mahalo Marcus for joining us!
Marcus Mariota, a Honolulu native, gained national recognition as a standout quarterback at the University of Oregon, where he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2014, becoming the first player from Hawaii to achieve this honor. In 2015, he was selected second overall in the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Known for his dynamic playmaking ability, Mariota made history as the first NFL quarterback to throw six touchdown passes within the first two games of his career. Beyond football, he remains committed to giving back to his community, inspiring young athletes, and supporting youth development initiatives through the Motiv8 Foundation which he founded in 2016.
Academy Alumni Spotlight
My name is Kody Kobayashi, and I became a member of the Boys and Girls Club in 2012. During my time at the Club, I participated in the Leaders in Training Program, helped organize a suicide awareness color run, and more. I graduated as a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience from Macalester College and plan to attend medical school. After graduation, I returned to Kaua’i to work as an Emergency Department Technician at Wilcox Medical Center and volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Kapa’a, giving back to the community that supported my growth. Without programs like Youth of the Year, I would not be who I am today.
Hear their stories.
Today’s youth face significant challenges as they plan for their future, especially with the increasing costs of higher education. At Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed.
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, honoring exceptional teens aged 14-17 for their leadership, academic achievements, and commitment to their Club and community. Participants in this program embody the transformative power of the Club, showcasing how its programs inspire confident, driven young leaders who demonstrate that great futures truly begin at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.