Youth of the Year

Three Champions for Youths, Gustavo Barbosa, Brian Bracey and Rachel Estroff,
 Also Celebrated During Inaugural Breakfast

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., April 2, 2026 – The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has selected Leslie Rodriguez as its 2026 Youth of the Year, an honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, dedication to a healthy lifestyle, and life and workforce readiness.

In addition, the Boys & Girls Club celebrated three Champions for Youth: New Rochelle High School Social Studies and Business Department Chairman Gustavo Barbosa; City of New Rochelle Public Works Director of Operations Brian Bracey, a Boys & Girls Club Remington Clubhouse member as a youth; and Rachel Estroff, Chief of Staff to New York State Sen. Shelley Mayer. Each offers unwavering commitment to New Rochelle youths.

“New Rochelle’s future lies within the unlimited potential of its youths, and the Boys & Girls Club is proud to recognize Leslie Rodriguez, Gustavo Barbosa, Brian Bracey and Rachel Estroff for their extraordinary commitment to, and investment in, great futures,” said Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Chief Program Officer William Iannuzzi.

The inaugural breakfast was held at the Davenport Mansion overlooking Long Island Sound in New Rochelle. The Boys & Girls Club of America’s Youth of the Year program, in its 79th year, honors the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people.

Rodriguez, a New Rochelle High School junior, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle as well as a trophy and proclamations and citations from elected officials. She was selected from seven finalists due to her growth into a resilient and compassionate leader who transformed personal hardship into purpose by mentoring younger Boys & Girls Club members.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me,” she excitedly said during her acceptance remarks, highlighting Boys & Girls Club staff members. She said her parents “are my inspiration for everything I do. They helped me see that I am capable of everything.”

As a family member battled leukemia, Rodriguez found “strength and comfort” at the Boys & Girls Club, she said, and her experiences taught her how to live fully. “After a long time of not knowing how life would end up, I can see it clearly now,” noting that she aspires to become a teacher and trusted, caring mentor.

“Leslie and her journey are powerful examples of what’s possible when young people are given the support, encouragement and opportunities they deserve,” Iannuzzi said. “She has demonstrated remarkable determination and leadership, inspiring peers and staff alike with her dedication, kindness and perseverance. We couldn’t be more proud of Leslie; she inspires us every day.”

Rodriguez will vie for the Boys & Girls Club’s New York State Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Raymond James, an international financial services company. If named New York State Youth of the Year, she will vie for the title of Northeast Regional Youth of the Year and a $20,000 college scholarship. Five regional finalists and the National Military Youth of the Year will compete for National Youth of the Year in October 2026, which awards a $50,000 scholarship and a new Toyota Corolla, presented by Raymond James.

The breakfast also celebrated adults deeply invested in youths’ great futures. “These champions of possibility are extraordinary mentors whose guidance, patience and vision selflessly help unlock pathways to success for youths,” Iannuzzi said. “Their immeasurable empowerment and energy strengthens lives, families, schools and our entire community.”

• Brian Bracey, a former Remington Clubhouse member: With more than 30 years of experience in municipal service, he rose from a laborer to a leadership role overseeing multiple bureaus and efficient operations. “I am truly honored, and this recognition is not possible without my colleagues,” he said, noting his commitment to “ensuring facilities and infrastructure that help create environments where youths can thrive.”
• Rachel Estroff leads lead key efforts in both district and Albany operations for Sen. Mayer. “I am deeply honored,” she said, praising the Boys & Girls Club and other youth mentors. “I thank you for the recognition, but I thank you for your work.”
• Gustavo Barbosa has been an educator at New Rochelle High School since 2004. In addition to his leadership of the Social Studies and Business Departments, he is assistant coach of the boys varsity soccer team and president of Youth Soccer of New Rochelle Inc. In his thank-you remarks, Barbosa spoke of his family’s roots and his journey to New Rochelle, while celebrating immigrants’ contributions to society.

For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. It is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses. Learn more at bgcnr.org.

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. More than 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people nationwide. Learn more at bgca.org.