Student leader, filmmaker and advocate is recognized for resilience, empathy and community impact
(Palm Springs, CA) The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs has proudly named Yarely Mosqueda-Rivera as its 2026 Youth of the Year, the Club’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing. National Youth of the Year is a program that was developed by the Boys & Girls Club of America, and has been in existence for more than 75 years.
Along with the title, she will be receiving a scholarship funded by the Palm Springs Pathfinders through the Harold and Judy Stack Scholarship Fund totaling over $12,000 to help her on her journey to earning a 4-year college degree. Yarely will now advance to the regional Youth of the Year competition, representing Palm Springs alongside other exceptional young people served by Boys & Girls Clubs.
A student at Palm Springs High School, Yarely has distinguished herself as a compassionate leader, creative storyteller and role model among her peers. She first joined the Boys & Girls Club in seventh grade when her mother’s demanding work schedule left her waiting hours after school with nowhere to go. What began as a necessity became a life-changing experience.
At the Club, she found friendships, mentorship and confidence. Over time, she transformed from a shy student hesitant to speak up into an engaged participant who actively collaborates, asks for help and mentors others.
“During the selection process, our committee heard many impressive stories — but Yarely’s stood apart because of the resilience behind her achievements,” said Margaret Keung, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. “She has endured instability, fear and homelessness at a young age, yet chose growth over bitterness and purpose over circumstance.”
Yarely credits the Club for helping her grow socially and creatively while giving her a safe, supportive environment where she could explore interests such as art and cooking and build meaningful relationships.
“Instead of allowing hardship to define her, she transformed it into empathy for others and a commitment to help young people facing similar challenges,” added Keung. “That strength of character, combined with her leadership and compassion, is exactly what Youth of the Year represents.”
“I am so grateful and appreciative of this opportunity, especially since the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs has been like a second home to me – a placed that has really allowed me to build my confidence and leadership abilities,” shared Yarely.
Yarely maintains a 3.3 GPA, earned Honor Roll recognition and participates in the school’s FILM Pathway program as a Segment Manager in student broadcasting, producing educational content for her campus community.
Her passion for storytelling extends beyond the classroom. She received the Amdoc Film Fest Award for a documentary addressing the impact of drug abuse on young people — an issue she plans to continue advocating against.
Outside school, she has held steady employment since 2022 while volunteering on campus, demonstrating responsibility and commitment to community involvement.
Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club kid can receive. The teen selected to be the National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of millions of Club youth.