MARCH 16, 2026
Nevada Boys & Girls Clubs announce 2026 Youth of the Year and 2026 Military Youth of the Year, award two $7,000 scholarships
The Nevada Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs is honored to announce Luna Nix and Ethan Kurian as its 2026 Nevada Youth of the Year and Nevada Military Youth of the Year, respectively. After being named at the Nevada Youth of the Year Celebration on Saturday, March 16, the two received $7,000 scholarships and now compete for the honor of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The award ceremony was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, attended by the finalists’ families, leadership from Clubs throughout Nevada, generous donors and government dignitaries. The 2026 Nevada Youth of the Year Celebration’s presenting partner is Raymond James with local sponsorship by the Las Vegas Raiders, Boyd Gaming and Silverton Casino Lodge.
“The Nevada Youth of the Year Celebration is an annual statewide event recognizing the achievements of Boys & Girls Club teens, their journey from adversity and the positive impact they have on their Clubs, schools and communities,” said Kevin Tappan, board president of the Nevada Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. “In addition to our outstanding honorees, we had four other teen finalists from across Nevada vying for this honor. These young adults are outstanding members of their communities and showcase the spirit of Boys & Girls Clubs in Nevada.”
2026 Nevada Youth of the Year Luna Nix, member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, will serve as the Traditional Clubhouse Ambassador for the next year. Nix is a 17-year-old aspiring taxidermist who owns her own Las-Vegas based curios business. Nix leads community service projects through her role in the Clubs’ teen leadership program, Keystone Club. She regularly leans into public initiatives and stakeholder conversations addressing public policies and services to end youth homelessness.
2026 Nevada Military Youth of the Year Ethan Kurian, member of Nellis Air Force Base Boys & Girls Club, will serve as the Military Clubhouse Ambassador for the next year. Growing up in a military family instilled discipline, resilience, and service in Kurian. He is deeply committed to academics and is on track to graduate as valedictorian. He volunteers regularly at a local hospital, the public library and Keystone Club and aspires to become a physician.
As Nevada Youth of the Year winners, Nix and Kurian each received $7,000 in scholarship support from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Nevada Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Nevada Area Council.
Four other teen finalists were recognized for their contributions at the event and each received $1,750 in continuing education support:
- Alejandro Gonzalez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Truckee Meadows based in Reno
- Jazlien Yeager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada based in Carson City
- Barbara Cazarez-Hernandez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley based in Yerington
- Skye Carter-Ottley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Nevada based in Elko
