Emma F., a 17-year-old senior at Desert Mountain High School and a member of the Virginia G. Piper Branch for 12 years, has been named the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Youth of the Year.

The announcement was made at the Celebrate Youth Gala on March 29 at The Phoenician, according to a press release.

Emma will now advance to compete in the Arizona State Youth of the Year competition April.

She was selected from a field of five finalists, including Brandon L. from the Vestar Branch, Damien V. from the Thunderbirds Branch, Daniela S. from the Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch, and Madigan C. from the Mary Ellen & Robert McKee Branch.

Emma was awarded a $30,000 scholarship, while each of the four finalists received a $2,500 scholarship.

The Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year program is the highest honor a club member can achieve. It recognizes outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. Youth of the Year honorees serve as representatives and role models for Club youth across the nation.

Through the club, Emma has developed resilience and a passion for advocacy. She has been actively involved in the Keystone Club, participated in the Think, Learn, and Create conference in Washington, D.C., and worked with legislators to improve resources for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her experiences, Emma and her peers established a financial assistance fund to support families burdened by medical debt.

For more information, visit www.bgcs.org.