Teen of the Year Awards

Christian Johnson | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Christian Johnson leads through consistency and service. As an active participant in Jr. Leaders and Boys and Young Men of Color, he ranks among the top five percent in service hours while mentoring younger youth and strengthening branch programming. His reliability and commitment have made him a cornerstone of his teen community, raising the standard for those around him. 

Caleb West | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Caleb West exemplifies accountability through his ability to balance academics, athletics, and YMCA involvement. Known for his discipline and maturity, Caleb is self-directed and dependable, often stepping into responsibility before being asked. His leadership sets a tone of excellence and challenges his peers to rise alongside him. 

Jeremiah Williams | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Jeremiah Williams leads with preparation and performance. While managing a demanding schedule of academics, football, basketball, and YMCA involvement, he maintains high standards across all areas. His discipline and ability to elevate team performance have made him a respected leader among both peers and coaches. 

Theodore James Atkinson | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Theodore James Atkinson leads through quiet mentorship. He dedicates his time to supporting younger scholars both academically and socially, demonstrating patience, maturity, and coachability. His steady presence strengthens the culture of his program and leaves a lasting impact on those he mentors. 

Javion Huff | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Javion Huff brings energy and initiative to his branch community. Through volunteering, contributing ideas to service programming, and recruiting peers to get involved, he drives engagement across Teen Programs. His enthusiasm makes participation contagious and strengthens the culture of responsibility. 

Annalise Yeagle | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Annalise Yeagle rose to leadership during a pivotal time. As Leaders Club President, she sustained programming through director transition, ensuring continuity in meetings and service initiatives. Recognized as Georgia’s 2025 Youth Advocate of the Year, her leadership created lasting structure and measurable impact within her branch. 

Jo Herdee | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Jo Herdee expands opportunity through leadership. By recruiting peers, organizing service initiatives, and promoting advanced experiences like Blue Ridge Leaders School, Jo has increased participation and strengthened momentum within teen programming. Their influence continues to shape a thriving teen culture at the branch. 

Trinity Smith | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Trinity Smith is a visionary leader whose impact extends beyond the YMCA. As the founder and Executive Director of Roots In Her Health, she leads a nonprofit focused on empowering young girls of color through culturally grounded wellness programming. While remaining actively engaged in Teen Leaders and branch service, Trinity builds programs that expand opportunity at both the grassroots and organizational level. 

Edward Adjei | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Edward Adjei leads through consistency and commitment. His steady engagement in teen programming reinforces a culture of responsibility within his branch. Through his contributions, he elevates participation and strengthens the foundation of his program. 

Ty Polydore | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Ty Polydore demonstrates sustained commitment through service and leadership. With over 100 service hours, time as a Leader-in-Training at camp, and involvement in large-scale food insecurity initiatives, Ty has become a dependable pillar within his branch. His discipline reflects long-term dedication to community impact. 

Alice Badache | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Alice Badache leads with initiative and integrity. She consistently steps into volunteer roles, supports branch operations, and advocates fairness among her peers. Her reliability strengthens both program execution and community culture. 

Sophia Saboura | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Sophia Saboura leads with composure and care. She mentors younger campers through challenges, maintains professionalism under pressure, and adjusts her schedule to support program success. Her steady presence builds trust with both youth and staff. 

Sean Weinschenker | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Sean Weinschenker builds connections across his community. Through service projects supporting local seniors and active involvement in Jr. Leaders and Esports, he strengthens engagement while welcoming others into programs. His kindness translates into meaningful community impact. 

Nyria Smith | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Nyria Smith has demonstrated leadership from the very beginning of her YMCA journey. Through consistent volunteering and active participation in community initiatives, she models excellence and sets a strong example for her peers. 

Moriah Moore | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Moriah Moore leads with both dedication and heart. Contributing over ten hours each week mentoring elementary students while actively participating in Art Club, Esports, and Jr. Leaders, she strengthens multiple programs simultaneously. Her impact is both visible and far-reaching. 

De’noria Beal | 2026 Teen of the Year 

De’noria Beal serves as a mentor and role model within Leaders Club. Younger youth look to him for guidance, and his presence reinforces structure, confidence, and positivity throughout the program. His leadership is felt daily by those around him. 

Denzel Boboefe | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Denzel Boboefe turns initiative into action. From organizing a community coat drive to active involvement in Esports, Jr. Leaders, and branch events, he consistently transforms ideas into measurable impact. His leadership has strengthened engagement across his branch. 

Ava Denham | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Ava Denham expands access to opportunity through innovation. As the founder of The Toona Scholarship Initiative, she raised over $4,500 to increase financial access to camp experiences. Her work has created a lasting pathway for more youth to participate in camp. 

Hudson Brookshire | 2026 Teen of the Year 

Hudson Brookshire demonstrates leadership through sustained commitment. With over 150 service hours and experience as a Leader-in-Training, he has supported camp operations while mentoring younger campers. His dedication reflects a deep and ongoing investment in the camp community.