The Boys & Girls Club of Bristol is proud to announce Josie K. as the 2026 Youth of the Year. A senior at Bristol Central High School and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Josie's inspiring journey is a testament to the transformative power of The Boys & Girls Club and personal resilience.
For Josephine “Josie” K., the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol has been more than just a place to go after school, it has been a constant in a life that didn’t always have one.
At just seven years old, Josie learned what it meant to carry everything she needed in a single bag, navigating instability and uncertainty at an age when most children are simply learning who they are. Frequent moves, long periods without her mother, and the unpredictability of her environment forced her to grow up quickly. Through it all, she developed a strength that would later define her: resilience.
School became her safe haven, but it was the Club that became her home.
Introduced to the Club through a school-based program, Josie quickly found something she hadn’t always experienced, consistency, support, and a community that welcomed her with open arms. What started as a place to spend time after school became a place where she could grow, lead, and belong.
Over the past 11 years, Josie has embraced every opportunity the Club has offered. As a Keystone Club member and leader, she has taken on a strong role in giving back, helping to guide younger members, support programming, and create a space where others feel seen and valued. Through volunteerism, the arts, and leadership development, she has found her voice and purpose.
Her journey hasn’t just been about overcoming challenges, it’s been about transforming them.
Through theatre and creative expression, Josie discovered confidence. Through mentorship, she became a source of strength for others who share similar experiences. And through the Boys & Girls Club, she learned how to turn her story into something powerful, not just for herself, but for those around her.
Today, Josie is a student at Bristol Central High School with plans to attend the University of Connecticut and pursue a career in developmental psychology—driven by her desire to help others navigate the same challenges she once faced.
What matters most to Josie is making sure every young person feels heard.
She believes that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to succeed, to lead, and to be valued. Her goal is to give a voice to those who feel voiceless and to help build the next generation of leaders who understand the power of resilience, empathy, and community.
Josie’s story is one of strength, growth, and purpose, and it is still being written.
The Boys & Girls Club of Bristol remains dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment for young people like Anneti to thrive. Through mentorship, academic support, and leadership programs, the Club continues to empower youth to achieve their full potential. Visit bbgc.org for further information on the Youth of the Year Program and the many other programs we offer.
