We are proud to announce our 2026 Youth of the Year, Mercedes.
For more than five years, Mercedes has been an active and engaged member of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, transforming from a quiet, reserved teen into a confident leader and advocate. Through programs like Keystone, TeenZine, Job Ready, Driver’s Education, CPR Training, and Black Girls Circle, she has gained essential life skills, certifications, and career readiness experience. Just as importantly, the Club became a place where she felt safe, supported, and empowered to grow—surrounded by a “second family” of peers and mentors. With guidance from staff like her Teen Coordinator, who shared similar life experiences, Mercedes built lasting relationships that helped her find her voice and step confidently outside of her comfort zone.
Today, Mercedes is a dedicated leader who gives back through volunteerism, mentorship, and advocacy. As a TeenZine Keystone leader and event organizer, she has planned initiatives and even hosted a Teen Summer Job Rally, speaking in front of local leaders about the importance of youth employment. Her experiences—combined with her academic achievements, including participation in a health services program and dual enrollment courses—have inspired her to pursue a future in nursing, with a focus on supporting women’s health. Mercedes’ journey is a powerful example of how the Club helps young people build confidence, discover their purpose, and create meaningful change in their communities.