4 St. Louis-area teens named Youth of the Year finalists

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Four St. Louis-area teens are preparing to take the stage at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis’ Great Futures Gala, where one will be named the organization’s 2026-27 Youth of the Year.

The finalists — Leon Nevils, Toritseju Atsepoyi, Legacy Jackson and Lakshita Raja — say the club and its internship program have helped them build confidence, develop leadership skills and explore their futures.

For Leon, who hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon, the experience helped him find his voice.

“I can have this conversation with you, which probably like two years ago I couldn’t have,” he said. “I would be shaking and very nervous about it, but I feel like the club has propelled my leadership, but also my speaking skills.”

He also wants to represent St. Louis in a positive way.

“I want to show people that we are a good city like every other major city in America,” he said.

Toritseju Atsepoyi said the club has helped him connect with peers and grow as a leader. He hopes to study mathematical economic analysis at Rice University and pursue real estate investment banking.

As a Nigerian American who was born outside the United States, Tori said he wants other young people to know they can find their place in St. Louis.

“I think it’s important for people to know that even though you may not feel like as if you were a part of the St. Louis community initially, you can be a part of that community in your own way,” he said.

Legacy Jackson hopes to become a news anchor or radio personality and share stories about young people making a positive difference in the community. She said the club has given her opportunities to advocate for its Smart Girls program and appear on television.

“The Boys and Girls Club has shaped me into the person that I am today,” she said. “They have given me countless opportunities to display what I want to do in the future.”

Lakshita Raja said she used to be nervous and soft-spoken, but the club helped her grow more comfortable speaking up. Two internships in health care also helped her discover an interest in medicine and neuroscience.

“I want youth to know that they always have a voice and that voice needs to be heard,” she said.

The four finalists emerged from a field of 10 candidates. According to the organization, community judges evaluated the teens’ essays, interviews, speeches, academic excellence, community service and club experience.

Brandon Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, said the program gives young people a chance to tell their stories and develop as leaders.

“One of the hardest things for a human being to do is say, ' Who am I? What is my purpose? Why am I here?” Williams said. He added that the program gives teens an opportunity to consider those questions at a young age.

The winner will be announced at the Great Futures Gala on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a vehicle courtesy of Frank Leta Automotive; the other finalists will also receive scholarships.

The gala supports Boys & Girls Clubs programs serving young people across the bi-state region. More information is available at bgcstl.org.