Jayvion Owens named Youth of the Year

The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac is proud to announce Jayvion Owens as its 2025-26 Youth of the Year. He was presented with and accepted the honor at the organization’s Celebrate Great Futures Annual Awards Night on May 1. 

Youth of the Year is the Club’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The Youth of the Year award is the most prestigious honor that can be earned at the Club, and the winner must go through an application and interview process to be considered. The award is earned, not just given out, as the Youth of the Year plays an integral role in representing the organization as a whole throughout their year-long reign.

Owens, an 8th grader at Fond du Lac STEM Academy, is incredibly deserving of this recognition. He has been a Club member since 1st grade and has been involved in our Keystone Club programs, helping out with local service projects and community events such as Broken Bread, Lights on Afterschool and other Family Strengthening events, to name a few. Additionally, he has taken on various leadership roles within Club activities where he has shown exceptional initiative and responsibility.

Samantha Fabian, Director of Life & Workforce Readiness for the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, stated “One of Jayvion’s most commendable qualities is his resilience. He has faced challenges with determination and grace. His journey exemplifies how perseverance can lead to significant personal growth, making him an excellent role model for other youth in our community.” 

Professional photography courtesy of Christine Peck at The Sparkle Studio

When asked what the Club means to him, Owens stated, “The Boys & Girls Club is a place full of learning opportunities and experiences that have helped shape me. It’s a supportive community filled with mentors who have believed in me and taught me that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. What matters is how I choose to respond to those feelings. I have learned valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. It’s empowering to realize that by embracing my own growth, I can also help others do the same. I’m grateful to have the Club in my life.” 

Since 2014, Marian University has been graciously awarding the Club’s Youth of the Year winner with a four-year scholarship to attend the university if they wish to do so. The Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac is thrilled to see Owens taking on this next step in being not only a Club member, but a leader and role model for the hundreds of other youth who walk through its doors every day.

For more information about Club programs and how to become a Boys & Girls Club member, click HERE.