Celebrating Albert J., 2026 Pennsylvania Youth of the Year

“To me the the Club has been more than just a safe place- it has been a place that has helped shape my character and the person I am becoming.” - Albert J. - 2026 Pennsylvania Youth of the Year. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Chester proudly celebrates the extraordinary accomplishment of club member Albert J., who was named the 2026 Pennsylvania Youth of the Year at the Boys and Girls Club of America, 2026 Pennsylvania 2026 Youth of the Year competition. 

Albert is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Chester (BGCC) whose known as a friendly leader around the club. He is currently a high school senior planning to study mechanical engineering at Widener University this fall. 

Albert first joined the Club when he was just 6 years old. Over the past 12 years, he’s grown up within its walls—learning, building relationships, and stepping into leadership roles that would eventually shape his future. From hosting news segments, leading youth programs, participating in Scouts, Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA), and many other local programs. Albert is a powerful reflection of growth, resilience, and the life-changing impact of the Boys & Girls Club of Chester. 

Through the Club’s leadership program, Albert didn’t just participate—he committed himself fully. That commitment led him to become president of the program, where he now pours back into younger members.

“Because of how active I was in the leadership program, I was honored to become the president of the program,” Albert shared. “Now I have the opportunity to pass on the same principles to younger members that were taught to me by the club staff.”

Early this April, Albert traveled to Pittsburgh to represent all of Delaware County in the Pennsylvania Youth of the Year competition. Surrounded by teens from across the state, he stood in front of a room full of strangers and bravely told his story. Albert’s story and amazing character resonated with all attendees, including Corey O'Connor, Mayor of Pittsburgh.

That day concluded with Albert being announced as one of the final two candidates. The next morning, he was officially named the 2026 Pennsylvania Youth of the Year.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a moment that moved the room, with even local leaders visibly emotional after hearing the depth of his story.

After becoming a finalist, Albert and his father were invited to a special experience. He attended a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals on Jackie Robinson Day, complete with an invitation onto the field to take photos. Albert was also gifted a personalized Pirates jersey with his name on the back, and invited to watch the game from a suite. 

When Albert returned home, Club members greeted him home by lining up to congratulate him, cheering him on, clapping and surprised him by decorating the van with signs and photos of him. 

The support didn’t stop there. After hearing the news, two generous donors stepped forward to gift Albert a custom suit—something he’ll wear proudly as he prepares for his next stage.

Albert is quick to point out that none of this happened overnight—and none of it happened alone.

“The club helped me build confidence in myself and develop character that I can be proud of,” he said. “They have allowed me to work on things that I would never have worked on by myself without coming to the club.”

What Comes Next

As Pennsylvania Youth of the Year, Albert will now represent the state at the Northeast Youth of the Year Celebration on June 16th in New York City. 

But no matter what happens next, his story is already doing something powerful—it’s showing what’s possible when a young person is given the support, space, and opportunity to grow.

Albert didn’t just win a title. He earned it.