Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) proudly announced Devdaan L. as the organization’s 2026 Youth of the Year during the annual Youth of the Year Celebration held on March 6 at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club.
The Youth of the Year program was established by Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1947 as a premier leadership recognition initiative that celebrates teens who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service, academic excellence, and a commitment to making their community a better place. This year, six Club members were selected as finalists from a group of 35 teenage candidates to share their stories on how the Club has empowered them to become leaders.
A group of local judges carefully reviewed and scored each candidate’s questionnaires and essays before conducting interviews and submitting final evaluations to ensure a thorough and fair selection process.
Serving as co-emcees for the evening were 2025 Youth of the Year and Club Alumna Ava M., who is currently a freshman at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and Leonela Tase Sueiro, 2019 Southeast Youth of the Year and former Workforce Programs Specialist at BGCSDC. The two emcees shared stories of their own Club experiences while guiding guests through the program, which featured a performance by younger Club members, impactful storytelling, dinner by Gecko’s Grill & Pub, and introductions of each finalist by their Club staff mentors: Devdaan L., Simal K., Lauren D., Sam O., Maria K., and Riya D.
At the conclusion of the program, high school senior Devdaan L. was named the organization’s 2026 Youth of the Year. Devdaan will go on to represent BGCSDC at the Florida State Youth of the Year competition in April, where he will join other outstanding teens from Boys & Girls Clubs across the state and have a chance to advance to the regional and national competitions. In the fall, Devdaan plans to attend the University of Florida – Honors Program and study chemistry on a pre-med track with the dream of becoming a physician.
“The Club shaped who I am today,” said Devdaan. “It gave me the confidence to speak up, the skills to lead with purpose, and the relationships that continue to inspire me. Most importantly, it showed me that meaningful change starts when young people are trusted to lead.”
As the 2026 BGCSDC Youth of the Year, Devdaan received a $5,000 scholarship to support his post-secondary plans, thanks to Scholarship Sponsor Bucket Fillers Authored by Carol McCloud, who also provided scholarships to support each finalists’ future endeavors. Devdaan also received a new laptop from Coca-Cola Beverages Florida.
“Youth of the Year is about recognizing young people who are ready to lead and make a difference,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of BGCSDC. “Devdaan and all of our finalists exemplify the character, resilience, and leadership that we strive to cultivate in every young person who walks through our doors. And tonight, we showcased these remarkable young leaders and the incredible community that stands behind them in support.”
BGCSDC continues to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prepare for great futures. Stay tuned for updates as Devdaan advances to the next stage of the competition, representing BGCSDC at the state level.
