Staff Reports | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad Celebrates Leadership in Action
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad proudly announces that Italee Williams has been named our 2026 Youth of the Year—the highest honor awarded to a Club member who exemplifies leadership, academic success, character, and service.
We also proudly recognize Faith Duley, who was named First Runner-Up in this year’s competition. Faith demonstrated outstanding poise, leadership, and commitment to excellence throughout the Youth of the Year process.
Selected following a competitive process that included essays, interviews, and formal remarks, Italee rose to the top as a young leader who reflects both resilience and purpose. She will now advance to represent BGCTriad at the North Carolina State Youth of the Year competition in Charlotte this April.
The Youth of the Year program, led nationally by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has recognized outstanding teens for more than 75 years. Winners serve as ambassadors for youth across the country, demonstrating what is possible when young people are given the right support, structure, and opportunity.
As Italee prepares to take the stage at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cabarrus County for state competition, she carries with her the pride of our entire BGCTriad community.
The future is bright. And it is Future Ready.
(L to R) Ms. Nadia Obiesie (Club Director, Congdon Hub), Ms. Faith Duley (First Runner-Up), Ms. Italee Williams (2026 Youth of the Year for BGCTriad), and Ms. Natasia “Ms. Tae” Wooten (Keystone Coordinator, Teen Center)
The Power of Mentorship
Behind every Youth of the Year is a team of adults who believe in them. Italee’s journey has been shaped by strong mentorship and consistent encouragement.
“Italee represents the power of simply showing up and being willing to grow,” said Ms. Tae, Keystone Facilitator for BGCTriad. “She brings a genuine spirit to the Club, and it has been rewarding to see her develop stronger connections with her peers and continue moving forward in her journey.”
A Future Ready Leader
At BGCTriad, our work centers on preparing young people for life—academically, socially, and professionally. Italee embodies that vision. Through her commitment to growth, leadership, and mentoring younger Club members, she represents the very best of what the Club Experience makes possible.
“The Boys & Girls Club has always been a safe place for me,” said Italee Williams, Youth of the Year. “It’s where I can be myself and feel supported. Being here has given me the confidence to go after my dream of going to cosmetology school and doing hair professionally one day. I’ve also encouraged a lot of my friends to join because I want them to have the same safe space and opportunities that I’ve had.”
Dr. William D. Gibson, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad, reflected on the moment.
“Italee represents the future we are building across the Triad,” said Dr. Gibson. “Her leadership, resilience, and heart for others are exactly why we invest so deeply in our young people. When you see how her confidence and clarity have developed about her future, you’re reminded that this work changes lives—and not just one life at a time.”
(L to R) Mr. Ray Trapp, Ms. Raven Jefferson, Ms. Faith Duley (First Runner-Up), Ms. Italee Williams (2026 Youth of the Year, BGCTriad), Ms. Jamena Pegues, Ms. Michaela Hafley, and Dr. William D. Gibson
Gratitude to Our Judges
We extend our sincere appreciation to the distinguished panel who served as judges for the 2026 Youth of the Year competition:
-
-
- Ms. Raven Jefferson, First Lady of High Point, and Board Member of BGCTriad
- Ms. Michaela Hafley, Education Director, The Arts Gallery
- Ms. Jamena D. Pegues, Counselor, High Point Central High School
- Mr. Ray Trapp, Vice President, Advancement, BGCTriad
- Dr. William D. Gibson, President & CEO, BGCTraid
-
Their time, insight, and commitment to our youth made this evening especially meaningful.
