2026 Youth of the Year Announcement
We are proud to announce Katherin R., a junior at Dundee-Crown High School, as our 2026 Youth of the Year.
A Club member for five years, Katherin has grown into a thoughtful and resilient leader through programs such as Sprouts Mentoring and NextGen Leaders. Her journey reflects perseverance, self-growth, and a deep commitment to helping others feel supported and understood.
“I want to help kids understand their emotions and feel heard during difficult times.”
-Katherin Romero
2026 High School Judging Panel
We extend our sincere appreciation to our 2026 High School Judging Panel: Dr. Farrah Bennani, ECC Dean of Math, Science & Engineering and BGCNWS Board of Directors; Amy Wickstrom, Wickstrom Auto Group and BGCNWS Board Officer; Nicole Nalbono, Meadowdale Elementary School Assistant Principal; Kevin Nguyen, Lakewood Elementary School Assistant Principal; and Kristin Sainsbury, Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our event sponsors for their generous support: Wickstrom Auto Group, providing a $5,000 scholarship for the Youth of the Year and serving as an event sponsor; Elgin Community College Foundation, awarding a full-tuition scholarship to the Youth of the Year; Beaird Dermatology; Revcor; Dundee Township Rotary Club, donating iPads for our finalists and Youth of the Year; and FASTSIGNS of Carpentersville.
