Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania Names Teen Leader Neo Onalenna Nkanyezi “Ona” Mogotsi 2026 Youth of the Year
Lawrenceville Club member recognized for leadership, academic excellence, and community impact
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) has named Neo Onalenna Nkanyezi “Ona” Mogotsi its 2026 Youth of the Year, the organization’s highest honor recognizing an outstanding teen who exemplifies leadership, academic achievement, service, and commitment to community.
Mogotsi—known verbally as “Ona” (pronounced like “gonna” without the “g”)—is a teen leader at BGCWPA’s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Since joining the Club after moving to the United States from South Africa, Ona has become a passionate advocate, student leader, and role model for younger members.
Her introduction to the Club came through a classmate during her transition into the U.S. school system mid-year.
“It’s funny enough, it came from my love for Rice Krispie treats,” Mogotsi said. “A classmate told me about the Boys and Girls Club and their beautiful, free stock of my favorite treat, Rice Krispie treats. She didn’t have to tell me twice.”
What began as a place to spend time after school quickly became something far more meaningful.
“The Club became much more than I could ever have imagined,” Mogotsi said. “It not only fed me, but enriched me with a sense of community I needed while adjusting to a new life.”
At the Club, Ona has deeply engaged in numerous programs that foster leadership and career exploration, including the Youth Advocacy Council, Arts and Culture Council, Money Matters financial literacy program, and the daily after-school program. She also participated in an AI Science Summer Camp in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, where her team was named one of three finalists.
“Beginning with our initial interactions, Ona consistently presented herself as a teen with high character and integrity. Over the last few years I have observed her personal growth, continued academic excellence, and a passion for contributing to the success of her community,” said Scott Flurry, BGCWPA’s Director of Teen and Career Development who nominated Mogotsi. “All of these attributes coupled with her sincere, warm hearted personality made her an easy choice to be nominated for Youth of the Year.”
Ona is also a standout student and athlete at The Ellis School, where she serves as Class of 2028 Class President. She participates in Speech and Debate, Varsity Track and Field, Varsity Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Basketball, Student Council, and the Black Students Union.
Her academic achievements include winning the Freshman Speech Competition at The Ellis School, qualifying for the Pennsylvania High School Speech League, and earning the 2024 Presidential Award of Achievement at Sunnyside Elementary School.
For Ona, the Youth of the Year recognition represents an opportunity to expand her impact.
“This nomination feels like a passageway,” Mogotsi said. “It allows me to step into a world where more voices are waiting to be seen or heard and where I can help others realize that they deserve to be seen too.”
Selected as BGCWPA’s 2026 Youth of the Year by a panel of judges following an interview process, Ona will serve as an ambassador for the organization and its mission to inspire young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Highmark Wholecare is proudly and generously serving as the primary sponsor for the 2026 Youth of the Year program.
“Highmark Wholecare is proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and congratulates the 2026 Youth of the Year, Ona Mogotsi, for her outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and dedication to community service,” said Jessica Sebastian, director, Social Determinants of Health, Highmark Wholecare. “We appreciate the good work of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state helping to develop the next generation of leaders.”
On April 15-16, Pittsburgh will host the 12 Youths of the Year representing each of the Boys & Girls Clubs organizations across the Commonwealth for the Pennsylvania State Youth of the Year competition. Each of the 12 nominees will compete for the statewide title and a chance to advance to the regional competition.
About Youth of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year program is the organization’s premier recognition initiative, celebrating teens who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic success, and dedication to service. Club winners advance to state and regional competitions, with finalists competing for the title of National Youth of the Year.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania provides safe places, caring mentors, and life-enhancing programs for youth across the region. Through academic support, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities, the organization helps thousands of young people each year build bright futures.
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