A kid walks up to the CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, shakes his hand, and says, “I want your job one day.” That sounds like a movie line until you hear what happened next and how it connects to youth leadership, mentorship, and big goals that start in ordinary places.
We’re joined by Ashley (today’s host) and Holden Jeffries, our 2026 Youth of the Year for Arkansas and local winner, to rewind his Boys and Girls Club journey from age six to senior year. Holden shares the small moments that built real confidence: after-school routines, summer field trips, gym games, a childhood talent show, and the friendships that stick for life. We also talk about how club programs create a bridge between school and home by teaching practical life skills and values, including Passport to Manhood and the mentors who helped shape Holden’s idea of what it means to show up for others.
Then we get very specific about the Youth of the Year process: the essays, resume, cover letter, recommendations, interviews, and the memorized speech that pushes teens to clarify their story and their platform. Holden explains why he chose food insecurity in Arkansas, how he raised funds for non-perishable food, supported blessing boxes, and worked to reduce the stigma around hunger. You’ll also hear how networking and courage opened doors, including time at national headquarters after that now-famous handshake.
If you care about teen leadership development, scholarship opportunities, community service, or the real impact of Boys and Girls Club programs, hit subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review. What cause would you choose as your platform?
More About this Episode
From Playground Games to the National Stage: My 13-Year Journey at the Club
When I look at where I am today as the 2026 Youth of the Year for Arkansas, it is easy to focus on the titles, the speeches, and the advocacy work. But before I was a representative for a movement, I was just a Club kid. My journey started when I was six years old, walking into the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County with nothing more than a lot of energy and a need for a safe place to hang out while my mom was at work. That environment shaped my character in ways I am only beginning to fully appreciate as I prepare to head off to college.
The Club was my second home for thirteen years. Those early days were defined by simple joys like playing tag on the playground or a gym game we called Fire in the Jungle. It was a place where I could just be a kid, burning off energy and building a foundation of friendship. In fact, I met my best friend, Eric, at the Club when we were children. Even though he is now a freshman at the University of Central Arkansas and I am finishing my senior year of high school, we still talk every day. That bond was forged over dodgeball and summer field trips to mini-golf or the movies, but it was sustained by the values the Club instilled in us: the Golden Rule, treating others with respect, and being a person of integrity.
Developing Confidence Through Mentorship and Programs
One of the most transformative aspects of the Club is how it bridges the gap between school and home by teaching life skills that aren't found in a textbook. As I grew older, I moved from the playground to more structured programs that challenged me to think about the man I wanted to become. One program in particular, Passport to Manhood, filled a significant void in my life. Growing up as an only child with a single mother, I had an incredible role model in her, but I lacked a consistent father figure in my home.
Passport to Manhood provided that mentorship. It wasn't just about serious discussions; it was about practical, hands-on learning that built confidence. I remember we practiced shaving by putting shaving cream on balloons and using a razor to "shave" them without popping the balloon. We even learned how to change a tire on a real car. These activities were fun, but the underlying message was deeper. They taught me how to be a gentleman and how to provide for a family. The staff and mentors at the Club became the examples I needed. They showed me that regardless of my circumstances, I could choose to be a leader and a role model for the next generation.
This environment also gave me a unique kind of confidence. I recall participating in a Club talent show when I was younger, convinced I could sing. While I’ve since realized that my future is likely in public speaking rather than professional music, that stage gave me the courage to stand in front of an audience. It taught me that my voice matters and that I have something worth sharing.
The Rigorous Path of Youth of the Year
The Youth of the Year program is the premier leadership recognition program for the Boys and Girls Club movement. It is designed to find a young person who embodies the values of leadership, service, and academic excellence. While many people see the final result, the process itself is incredibly rigorous and functions as a masterclass in professional development.
To compete, you must compile a comprehensive packet that includes a resume, a cover letter, and three detailed essays. These essays cover personal growth, your Club experience, and what matters to you. For me, the personal growth essay was a reflection on thirteen years of transformation. The resume portion is a chance to highlight extracurricular activities like FBLA or FCA and community service. It teaches you how to articulate your strengths and "brag" on yourself in a professional manner, which is a vital skill for the real world.
After the written portion comes the interviews and the speech. You have to condense your entire story and platform into a two to three minute memorized speech that captures your heart and mission. Then, you face a panel of judges for fifteen minutes of intense questioning. This process prepared me for the workforce far better than any standard job application ever could. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the connections you make and the financial support it provides. Through this program, I have secured scholarships that are allowing me to attend the University of Arkansas to study organizational management and leadership without the crushing burden of student debt.
Advocacy and Fighting Food Insecurity
A central part of the Youth of the Year journey is finding a platform, something you are truly passionate about advocating for in your community. For me, that issue is food insecurity. Growing up in Arkansas, I realized how prevalent hunger is, and I wanted to use my position to eliminate the stigma associated with needing help.
Over the last several years, I have worked to grow this platform from a small idea into a tangible community impact. I have spoken to local organizations and foundations, sharing my story and the reality of hunger in our state. Through these efforts, I helped raise over $2000 to purchase non-perishable food for local "blessing boxes." These are small, community-run pantries where anyone can take what they need or leave what they can.
Advocacy doesn't always have to be about grand gestures or massive checks. It can be as simple as donating two cans of food or volunteering an hour of your time at a pantry. My goal is to ensure that no Club kid or family has to go to bed hungry. The Club gave me the platform to speak on this, and in turn, I want to use my voice to protect the community that raised me.
The Power of a Bold Handshake
If there is one lesson I want to pass on to other youth, it is the importance of being bold and taking every opportunity offered to you. When I was in eighth grade, I attended a regional competition and had the chance to meet Jim Clark, the President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Instead of being intimidated, I walked up to him, shook his hand, and told him that I wanted his job one day.
That moment of boldness opened doors I never expected. Mr. Clark invited me to the national headquarters in Atlanta to shadow him for a day. I sat at his desk, attended staff meetings, and learned what it takes to lead a national nonprofit. He became a role model for me, showing that leadership is about making sure every person feels heard.
My journey from a six year old on the playground to the 2026 Arkansas Youth of the Year was made possible because I said "yes" to the programs, the mentorship, and the challenges the Club put in front of me. Whether you are a student looking for a path or a community member looking to make a difference, remember that the smallest connection can lead to the biggest blessing. The Boys and Girls Club is more than just a place to go after school; it is a launchpad for the leaders of tomorrow. I am living proof of what can happen when a community invests in its youth, and I am honored to represent the movement as I move toward the Southwest regional competition and beyond.
