Image Courtesy of BGCGTC
Boys & Girls Clubs names Mansfield’s Ja’Miyah G. the 2025 Youth of the Year.
In a world brimming with uncertainties and challenges, Ja’Miyah G. stands as a shining example of resilience, leadership, and service. The 17-year-old Mansfield High School student was recently honored as the 2025 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC), a recognition that underscores not only her personal achievements but also her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Ja’Miyah, a member of the Kromer Branch in Arlington since 2023, was selected from eight exceptional finalists, all of whom were celebrated for their remarkable leadership, academic excellence, and contributions to their communities, according to a press release. The Youth of the Year award, presented at BGCGTC’s gala on February 21, is a coveted distinction that highlights the profound impact the organization has on its members, shaping young lives and preparing them for a bright future.
The gala, attended by nearly 400 supporters, was an emotional and inspiring event that raised nearly $400,000 to continue the vital work of the nonprofit. But it was Ja’Miyah’s journey that stole the show.
When Ja’Miyah first walked through the doors of a Boys & Girls Club branch in May 2023, she was unsure of what to expect. At just 15 years old, she didn’t know that this visit would mark the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life. What she found was a supportive, welcoming environment that allowed her to grow, thrive, and embrace her potential.
“The Club has helped me grow and given me a sense of purpose,” Ja’Miyah reflected. “Being a Club member is like someone opening a door for you and then giving you every single key to new doors ahead. And every key has a lesson. And they are always there to support you as you go through that next door.”
Indeed, Ja’Miyah has been more than just a participant; she’s been a leader, innovator, and role model. She founded and now coaches the BGCGTC cheerleading team, bringing her enthusiasm to support the club’s basketball league. Her passion for fitness and fun also extends to leading “morning boogie” dance sessions that energize members to start their day with excitement. Beyond these activities, she’s demonstrated remarkable leadership by traveling to Washington, D.C., where she and other Club members met with legislators to advocate for the needs of Texas youth.
Ja’Miyah’s vision extends beyond the walls of the Club. Inspired by the personal loss of family members to mental health struggles, she is working on starting her own nonprofit to support teen mental health. Through her planned peer-to-peer program, she hopes to provide a space where teens can offer one another support, particularly for those who may feel uncomfortable speaking with adults.
"I've lost family members to mental health, and I want to create something that is an extension of the love and support I have received at Boys & Girls Clubs over the years,” she said. “My goal is to provide a peer-to-peer program for teens who may not be comfortable talking to an adult, so that they can support each other outside of Club hours.”
Ja’Miyah’s story is one of personal growth and determination. Her experience at BGCGTC has propelled her to take on leadership roles at school, including joining the student council at Mansfield’s Lake Ridge High School, where she is enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. After graduation, she plans to attend Prairie View A&M University to pursue a degree in architecture.
Her journey now takes her to the statewide Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year competition, where she hopes to inspire other teens to embrace the opportunities the organization offers.
“No matter what has happened in your life, no matter what background you have, no matter what you're going through at that moment, you're going to be loved just as equally as anybody else who walks through those doors,” Ja’Miyah said. “Becoming a Youth of the Year symbolizes the hard work that I have put in, but it also allows other kids to see that no matter what they may be going through, at the end of the day, they have the potential to accomplish great things if they put their minds to it.”
Ja’Miyah’s story is one of hope, resilience, and a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the strength to overcome lies within. Through her leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to making a difference, she is a testament to the profound impact the Boys & Girls Clubs can have on a young life.
As she put it herself, "Becoming a Youth of the Year symbolizes the hard work that I have put in, but it also allows other kids to see that no matter what they may be going through, at the end of the day, they have the potential to accomplish great things if they put their minds to it."
