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Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, poonkwong@bgcsctn.org 

South Central Tennessee Names Its 2026 Youth of the Year

From left to right, Christianna, Ta’kyeria, Kelsey, Mariela, Emily, Andrew, and Tia pose for a photo after receiving their Youth of the Year participant certificates.

Columbia, TN —January 31, 2026 — Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) is proud to announce Mariela D. as its 2026 Youth of the Year, recognizing her leadership, resilience, academic dedication, and commitment to using her voice to uplift others. Mariela will represent BGCSCTN and teens across Maury and Giles Counties at the Summit for Tennessee’s Youth in Nashville this March. 

Selected from seven outstanding Youth of the Year contenders across the region, Mariela stood out for the honesty and courage of her story—one rooted in personal growth, self-advocacy, and a desire to speak up for young people who don’t always feel heard. 

Mariela is a student at Columbia Central High School, where she is enrolled in the Collegiate Academy, participates in Beta Club, and is a dedicated member of the school’s Marching Band. She has been a member of the Columbia Teen Center for more than two years—years she describes as a turning point in how she sees herself and what she believes she is capable of achieving. 

When Mariela first walked through the doors of the Club, she carried a familiar doubt: would she fit in? In her Youth of the Year application, she shares that she wasn’t sure she could connect with others or step into leadership roles. What she found instead was a place where she could breathe—where staff noticed her, encouraged her, and made space for her to grow at her own pace. Over time, the Club became “a second home,” and Youth of the Year became the moment she chose to step forward. 

That confidence didn’t develop overnight. It grew through relationships, small wins, and steady encouragement—especially from Club staff who refused to let her remain in the background. In her essay, Mariela credits then-Teen Center Director Haley Mostiller for challenging her to try new things, meet new people, and speak up when she would have stayed quiet.

“She inspired me to meet new people, speak up for myself, and take every opportunity that came my way,”

Mariela wrote, sharing how that mentorship helped her believe in her ability to reach her goals. 

Mariela also speaks to a deeper purpose behind her leadership. She wants to be a steady voice for young people navigating difficult experiences—advocating for respect, safety, and access to trusted adults and support systems. She describes Youth of the Year not simply as a competition, but as an opportunity to lead with empathy and to speak up for those who may not yet feel able to do so themselves. 

“Being surrounded by supportive adults and friends taught me that strength comes from speaking up and believing in yourself—even when it’s hard,” Mariela shared. “I learned to believe in my voice and value the people who support me.” 

Haley Mostiller, who served as the Columbia Teen Director when Mariela first joined the Club, reflected on Mariela’s growth and selection as Youth of the Year. 

“I am so incredibly proud of Mariela—not only for winning, but for the hard work she devoted to stepping out of her comfort zone and finding her voice,” said Mostiller. “She is a great role model for her peers and for youth across our community. I’ve been able to watch Mariela grow into a respectful, determined, and responsible young lady while demonstrating such grace and poise. I can’t wait to see her represent our Clubs at the state competition.” 

Former Teen Center Director Haley Mostiller poses with Mariela at last year’s Youth of the Year event in Nashville.

As BGCSCTN’s Youth of the Year, Mariela will serve as an ambassador for Club teens across South Central Tennessee at the 2026 Summit for Tennessee’s Youth, held March 2–4 in Nashville. During the statewide event, she will compete alongside Youth of the Year finalists from across Tennessee for scholarship opportunities and the chance to advance to the regional and national levels, while also participating in leadership development, recognition events, and advocacy efforts that elevate the voices and experiences of young people throughout the state. 

About Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier youth recognition and leadership program. Club members who participate complete an application and essays reflecting on their growth, leadership, service, and goals, then deliver an original speech to a panel of judges. The program recognizes teens who exemplify leadership, strong character, academic success, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles—while building confidence and communication skills that last far beyond the competition. 

Learn more about Youth of the Year

About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee

The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,700 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region. 

For more information, please visit Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee