Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo has named Olivia Ford, a senior at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School, its 2026 Organizational Youth of the Year. She will represent Toledo at the Ohio Youth of the Year competition in April.
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership recognition program, established in 1947. The award honors members who exemplify academic success, character, leadership and service, with winners advancing through state, regional and national competitions.
A leader shaped by the Club experience
Ford’s involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo began as a volunteer at the Ottawa River Club. She later became a Teen Employment Corps (TEC) junior staff member at the East Toledo Boys & Girls Club, where she mentors younger members and supports staff in delivering daily programming.
Her commitment to service and leadership earned her the East Toledo Club’s John E. Gunckel Award for Service last year, recognizing her mentorship and dedication to the Club community.
“Members connected well with Olivia right away,” said Hannah Fox-Lu, senior Club director at the Ottawa River Boys & Girls Club. “She is caring, compassionate and a great listener, which made her a strong leader who built meaningful and lasting relationships with members.”
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Ford credits her time at the Clubs with helping her discover her passion for working with children. She plans to attend Bowling Green State University to pursue a degree in education.
At Cardinal Stritch, she is active in student council and the National Exchange Club and competes on the volleyball team. In her final season, she was named Player of the Year by the Toledo Area Athletic Conference.
Ford was selected from five finalists representing Club sites across Toledo. Finalists participated in a preview night at the Homer Hanham Club, where they answered questions and delivered speeches reflecting on their academic achievements, leadership roles and personal growth through the Clubs.
Meet the Other Finalists
Four exceptional seniors were also named finalists for the 2026 Youth of the Year:
- Sakiyah Caulton, Rogers High School — Vice president of the Keystone Club at the Huber Teen Center; plans to study forensic psychology and criminal justice at North Carolina A&T State University.
- Emmanuel McCreary, Rogers High School — Member of the Huber Teen Center and Schoenrock Family Club; plans to major in civil engineering at the University of Cincinnati.
- Jayden Robinson, Scott High School — TEC Teen junior staff member at the Homer Hanham Club; plans to study digital art and graphic design at Bowling Green State University.
- Roy Williams IV, Toledo Technology Academy — TEC Teen junior staff member at the Schoenrock Family Club; plans to pursue mechanical engineering at the University of Toledo.
Each finalist exemplifies strong leadership, academic excellence and commitment to their Club community.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo
Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo serves youth ages 7 through high school graduation at nine locations across the city. The organization provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, grow and build meaningful relationships with caring mentors.
Clubs offer:
- After-school and summer programming
- Academic support and career readiness programs
- Leadership development opportunities
- Teen Employment Corps (TEC) job experience
- Character and service initiatives
- Athletics, arts and enrichment activities
Through programs like Keystone Club and Youth of the Year, members gain leadership skills, public speaking experience and opportunities to give back to their communities.
How to get involved
Families interested in enrolling their child can contact Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo to learn about membership opportunities at one of its nine locations. Teenagers interested in leadership roles, volunteer opportunities or paid junior staff positions through the Teen Employment Corps are also encouraged to apply. bgctoledo.org
Community members can support the mission by volunteering, mentoring or contributing financially to help ensure local youth have access to safe spaces and life-changing programs.
For more information about membership, volunteering or supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, visit the organization’s website or contact a local Club site directly.
