Enrique Rosario, a dedicated member of the Ken Pruitt Club for the past two years, emerged victorious at the prestigious 2024 Youth of the Year Celebration held on Friday, February 23rd at Treasure Coast Lexus. This annual event not only honors the remarkable achievements of exceptional young individuals but also serves as a platform to recognize their leadership, service, and academic excellence.

This year’s celebration marked a significant milestone as six outstanding candidates competed for the title, an increase from the traditional four, as Clubs from Treasure Coast High School and Fort Pierce Westwood Academy were added to the roster. Among these exceptional candidates, Enrique Rosario stood out for his unwavering commitment to his community and his compelling advocacy for immigrant teenagers.

Enrique’s winning speech resonated deeply with the audience as he shared his personal journey as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. His eloquence and passion highlighted the challenges he faced and underscored his determination to support other teens facing similar circumstances. Despite being only in the 10th grade at Port St. Lucie High School, Enrique’s maturity and vision have already set him apart as a leader for his peers.

The Youth of the Year program is more than just a competition; it is a premier, national leadership program that empowers young people to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities. For Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, this program has been instrumental in fostering the growth and development of future leaders.

Enrique Rosario follows in the footsteps of Mia Morrison, the back-to-back state winner for St. Lucie County and the state of Florida in the previous two years. Mia, now pursuing her passion for aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, continues to embody the values instilled by the Youth of the Year program. Her dedication to advocacy and service serves as a testament to the transformative power of this initiative.

But the journey doesn’t end here for Enrique. As the newly crowned Youth of the Year, he will represent St. Lucie County in the upcoming Florida State Youth of the Year competition this summer. With his sights set on even greater heights, Enrique is prepared to embark on a journey that could lead him to regional and national recognition.

Moreover, the impact of the Youth of the Year program extends beyond competitions and accolades. Enrique, along with the other candidates, will continue their commitment to service by participating in a mission trip to Guatemala over spring break, an initiative that began last year as the program’s newest tradition. 

As Enrique Rosario and his fellow candidates embark on their respective journeys, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Through programs like Youth of the Year, they empower young people to realize their potential and create Great Futures for themselves and their community.