Phoenix, AZ — April 15, 2026 — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley proudly announces that Aurora Archer, a teen leader from the Chandler Compadres Branch, has been named Arizona State Youth of the Year, the highest honor awarded to a Boys & Girls Club member at the state level.
Aurora was selected from teens across Arizona for her leadership, academic achievement, service, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. She will now represent Arizona in the regional Youth of the Year competition.
“Aurora’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are given the support and opportunities to grow,” said Cheyenne Walsh, Board President of the Arizona Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and partner at Compass Strategies. “She has turned her experiences into leadership and is inspiring others along the way.” Aurora credits her experience at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley with helping her grow into a confident leader and advocate.
“The Club has helped me find my voice and believe in my future,” said Aurora. “I’m proud to represent my community and hope to inspire other young people to pursue their goals.”
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier teen recognition initiative, recognizing teens who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. Special thanks to the Arizona State Youth of the Year Sponsors, longtime partner, Fiesta Sports Foundation and Swire Coca-Cola. This year’s judging panel included an impressive list of leaders: Angie Rodgers, Department of Economic Security; Chris Kiley, Swire Coca-Cola, Dr. Eric Leshinskie, Scottsdale Community College; Katia Jones, Fiesta Sports Foundation and Chris Montgomery, Fiesta Sports Foundation. These leaders donated their time to listen to the teens’ speeches and conduct interviews to select the winners.
