FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County has selected Telicia Carter as its 2026 Youth of the Year, an honor given annually to a club member who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence, community service and healthy lifestyles.

During a celebratory event on March 7 at the Park Meadows Community Club in Fort Myers, club leadership commended Carter for her outstanding character and commitment to making a positive difference in her community.

Telicia, a 14-year-old eighth grader and member of the North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts School Club, was celebrated for her wisdom, determination, leadership and strong commitment to academic excellence. In addition to being named Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County, Telicia also has been recognized by Jack and Jill of America Teen Auxiliary, Delta Academy GEMS, Florida Repertory Theatre's Historic Arcade Theatre and Inspirational Dance Ministry. Telicia plans to attend college and pursue a career as a cardiologist, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.

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Nationally, Youth of the Year is the highest honor awarded by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. More than a competition, the program is a leadership development experience that encourages participants to reflect on their personal growth, set goals for their future and inspire others as role models. As Lee County's 2026 Youth of the Year, Telicia earned a $2,500 Florida Prepaid scholarship provided by Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) and an additional $1,000 scholarship provided by an anonymous donor, and will represent Lee County at Florida's Youth of the Year competition this spring.

Lee County's Youth of the Year celebration event highlighted the perseverance, personal growth and leadership of multiple children and teens. In addition to Telicia, finalists for Youth of the Year included Raynen Russell (Park Meadows Community Club), Aubriana Taylor (Renaissance Preserve Neighborhood Club) and Ashlynn Marquin Lopez (Pueblo Bonito Neighborhood Club). Each of the finalists was honored as the Youth of the Year for their respective club location and received scholarships totaling $2,000 each.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County also recognized the next generation of leaders through its Junior Youth of the Year program, including finalists Alaya Ford (Renaissance Preserve Neighborhood Club), Heavenly Walker (Lehigh Acres Community Club), Lorenzo Simpson (James Stephens Elementary School Club) and Elias Ledezma (Pueblo Bonito Neighborhood Club).

LMCU served as event sponsor for the 2026 Youth of the Year celebration. This year's distinguished judges included Brian Rist (representing Storm Smart and the Rist Family Foundation), Harlan Parrish (FineMark Bank & Trust), Bill Turner (LMCU) and Jayne Malinowski (LMCU).