Winner advances to Midwest Regional competition
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) honored its 2025 “Youth of the Year,” Brianna Cannon, at the organization’s annual celebration on January 29. Selected from a competitive pool of eight candidates, Brianna emerged as the recipient of this prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to health and wellness.
The event was attended by community supporters, board members, alumni, staff, and family members who gathered to celebrate Brianna’s remarkable journey. A distinguished panel of three judges, all Minneapolis Boys & Girls Club alumni, evaluated the candidates based on their applications, personal interviews, and speeches delivered at the event.
Judges highlighted Brianna’s resilience and unwavering dedication to empowering others as key factors in her selection.
Al Lenzmeier West Side Club Program Director Selena Hiland introduced Brianna, describing her as a “resilient, brilliant, beautiful and passionate young woman.” Hiland further stated, “She’s an inspiration to all of our Club members and her peers for all the hard work and dedication she has put in over the years and the Club since she was in kindergarten.”
A senior at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights, Brianna has been a dedicated member of the Al Lenzmeier West Side Club for 13 years. Her time at the Club has played a pivotal role in shaping her into the person she is today. In her Youth of the Year essay, Brianna shared how the Boys & Girls Club became a refuge during a challenging period of her life.
“[The Club] was a place where I could escape the overwhelming heaviness and begin to heal. The mentors and friends I found at the Club did not just offer me support; they gave me space to process my emotions without judgment,” Brianna wrote.
Passionate about mental health advocacy, Brianna aspires to support and uplift others. She plans to attend Augsburg University in the fall, where she will pursue a degree in education.
This year’s panel of judges included esteemed professionals and community leaders: Sharon Sayles Belton, vice president of community relations and government affairs for Thomson Reuters Legal business and former mayor of Minneapolis; Hon. Christopher Bates, district court judge of Minnesota’s First Judicial District; and Charles Adams III, director of team security for the Minnesota Twins. Each judge commended Brianna and her fellow candidates for their dedication, resilience and leadership.
Now in its 77th year, the “Youth of the Year” program is a prestigious national initiative that honors exceptional young people on their paths to great futures. Brianna will advance to the Minnesota “Youth of the Year” competition on March 19. Should she win at the state level, she will move on to compete for the Midwest Region “Youth of the Year” title.
Five regional finalists and the National Military Youth of the Year will then advance to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year event. Throughout the competition, participants have the opportunity to earn scholarships and further their education.
BGCTC President and CEO Terryl Brumm expressed immense pride in Brianna and all the candidates. “Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities could not be prouder of Brianna and the entire slate of 2025 ‘Youth of the Year’ candidates for all their hard work and courage in sharing their stories. This next generation fills us with great hope that they will go on to boldly lead and serve our communities.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is dedicated to transforming opportunities for youth through programs at 13 Club locations. The organization’s mission is to promote safety, health and dignity, with a North Star Goal of ensuring that all members stay on track for a successful future beyond high school graduation. To learn more, visit www.boysandgirls.org.
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