Posted on October 21, 2025
GAINESVILLE, GA (October 21, 2025) – Hundreds gathered at the beautiful Ramsey Conference Center on October 16th for an elegant evening, celebrating nine amazing club kids of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, all competing in the Youth of the Year Celebration, Ignite the Future. The event included creative curations by club kids who provided entertainment, artwork and listening stations, allowing guests to see through their young eyes.
This year’s Youth of the Year winner was awarded to Jaemy Quito-Cruz, who also won Youth of the Year in 2024. Youth of the Year Candidate, Jariel Hernanzez won 2nd place and Messiah Greaman won 3rd place. Each of the three finalists shared heart-wrenching speeches that shared their journey and how they plan to make a difference in the world and just how they will ignite the future.
The 2025 Ignite the Future Award was given to Chief Executive Officer, Steve Mickens of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Hogan Construction was awarded with the 2025 Building Great Futures Award and the 2025 Phillip Sartain Helping Hands Award was awarded to Michele Piucci. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” said Mickens. “This is what I’m called to do, and I am proud to be a part of the organization for 21 years and proud to be the CEO for the past 14 years.”
Gainesville High School Drum Line and the Teen Center Boys & Girls Club provided an amazing performance, with guests dancing in their seats and cheering. Host and Auctioneer, Phil Bonelli, conducted an auction, raising thousands for the organization to help provide art and tutoring enrichments, enrollments, meals, and activities for club kids. Guests also bought raffle tickets to win some very valuable items such as beach vacation rentals, spa days, football game tickets, date night packages and more to raise even more funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier. The Youth of the Year Celebration left a lasting impression on attendees who raved about the candidate speeches, performances, ambience and the overall quality of the event. To learn how you can support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier and make a difference through volunteering, sponsorships, and donations, visit
boysgirlsclubs.com for details.
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Created in 1954, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier serve more than 4,700 children in the Hall, Habersham and Forsyth counties each year. Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.