Check out our 2024 Youth of the Year Highlight Reel below!
Meet our 2024 Youth of the Year
Titobi (He/Him), BGC East Scarborough, National Youth of the Year
Titobi joined BGC in 2023 through the after-school program and quickly took on leadership roles, including serving on the Youth Council. The Club has helped him build confidence, take on new challenges, and make a positive impact in his community.
One of Titobi’s favourite memories is performing and winning first place at his Club’s talent show—something he never imagined doing before. His experience at BGC has inspired him to grow as a leader and break through personal limitations.
He is currently studying International Relations at the University of Toronto. As Youth of the Year, Titobi is eager to promote the Club’s work and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Jordan (He/Him), BGC Red Deer & District, Indigenous Youth of the Year
Jordan has been a member of Red Deer Youth HQ/BGC since he was eleven. He now participates in various BGC events and values the sense of community and connection the Club offers. BGC has played a big role in his life, helping him break out of his shell and enjoy new experiences, especially in nature.
One of Jordan’s favourite memories is his West Coast Trail experience with BGC, where he bonded with friends and embraced new challenges. Reflecting on that adventure always brings back fond memories for him.
Drawn to the complexities of detective work and law enforcement, Jordan is interested in studying criminology and psychology. As Indigenous Youth of the Year, Jordan feels honoured to represent his Club and community. Having grown from a quiet youth to someone who confidently expresses himself, he is excited to share his story.
Alex (He/Him), BGC Riverview
Alex joined his Club’s Digital Media camp when he was twelve. Since then, he has participated in various programs, including drop-in, photography, poetry, and the LeadUp initiative, where he helped organize the Transgender Youth Conference.
BGC Riverview has been a safe and welcoming space for Alex, where he developed his passion for the arts and technology. A photography course at the Club connected him with a career photographer, helping him become a Cadet Correspondent and secure a spot in his college program. Through Lead Up, he also gained leadership experience, organizing a community event that united transgender youth and allies.
He is currently in his first year studying Radio Television Journalism at Nova Scotia Community College, with hobbies that include writing, reading, and photography. As the first Youth of the Year from Atlantic Canada since 2021, Alex is honoured to represent the unique needs of his region.
Jadyn (She/Her), BGC East Scarborough
Jadyn first joined a BGC summer camp program when she was six. Now the Vice President of her Club’s Youth Council, she helps lead initiatives promoting allyship between Black and Indigenous youth. Her involvement reflects a strong passion for community building and positive social change.
Her Club has shaped her love for education and childcare, inspiring her career path. It’s also where she discovered her voice as a poet, with mentors and friends who continue to support her artistic and academic goals. Her favourite memory is earning a standing ovation at the 2019 Be Boundless Gala.
Studying psychology, she’s determined to use her skills to make a lasting impact on society. Jadyn views Youth of the Year as an honour, a reflection of her growth, and a testament to her commitment to creating a more equitable future.
Taha (He/Him), BGC Fort McMurray
Taha has been a member of his BGC Club since 2022 through the Keystone program. This summer, he worked as a camp counsellor and as he enters Grade 11, he remains connected to his Club and eager to stay involved. His time at BGC has provided him with valuable experiences and skills that have shaped his personal growth.
One of Taha’s favourite memories is working with youth during the Lead Up and Summer Camp programs. Whether playing soccer or joining the kids on field trips, he built strong connections with both the staff and the youth, while honing his leadership abilities.
Taha is exploring his options for university, with a potential interest in science and healthcare. As Youth of the Year, Taha is excited to inspire other young people and demonstrate that anyone can achieve great things.
Tessa (She/Her), BGC Lethbridge
Tessa joined her BGC Club in December 2020. The Club has been a transformative space for her, building her confidence and helping her discover her passions. Through BGC, Tessa found a place where she can truly be herself, without fear of judgment, while exploring what she wants to study in the future.
One of Tessa’s favourite memories is making paper mache spiders for a haunted house while watching The Nightmare Before Christmas with her Club friends. The fun, creativity, and camaraderie during that day—complete with naming their spiders—made it a truly unforgettable experience.
Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree with a major in social science and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Lethbridge, she enjoys reading, playing guitar and piano, and learning languages in her free time. As Youth of the Year, Tessa is excited to share her story and inspire others to find belonging and confidence at BGC.
Yaël (She/Her), BGC Bigs Edmonton & Area
Yaël has been a part of BGC for over 10 years, joining as a youth at BGC Wolf Creek, and now a staff member at BGC Edmonton & Area. For the past three years, she has been using the leadership and advocacy skills she gained as a youth to mentor and inspire the children she now works with.
One of Yaël’s favourite memories is watching her Club’s Pom Squad perform at BGC Edmonton’s “Club Day.” Seeing their hard work pay off and inspiring others in the process made her incredibly proud of the team.
Currently finishing her degree in Criminology at the University of Alberta, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree while staying involved in the causes she loves. As Youth of the Year, Yaël is excited to continue her advocacy on a national level.
