Congrats! 15-year-old girl named Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee revealed their 2026 Youth of the Year nominee Friday, Dec. 12. 

The Youth of the Year program is one of the organizations oldest traditions, teaching kids to lead meaningful change. 

Thirteen students across Milwaukee competed in this year's program. 

The lucky winner, 15-year-old Melanie Martinez! 

She told CBS 58 that she hopes to change the world through this experience. 

"Honestly, it means outbreak," said Martinez. "For the longest time I couldn't speak up, I was so terrified. However, being Youth of the Year, but also being in this experience, allows me to know that my voice holds power. Power that is there to change the world." 

Melanie will go on to represent Milwaukee at the state competition. 

After that, she told us that she hopes to become an immigration lawyer.