IDEA Public Schools is proud to announce that IDEA Mission senior, Ximena Villarreal, has been named the 2025 National Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles was hosted by Actor and Boys & Girls Club of America’s National Spokesperson, Denzel Washington. The honor recognizes Ximena’s exemplary leadership, academic achievement, community service, and advocacy for youth issues.
Ximena’s path to earning this prestigious award has been marked with hard work, determination, and the tenacity to be a changemaker in South Texas and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about Ximena’s inspiring journey and how consistency and determination can pay off.
Meet Ximena
Ximena Villarreal is currently a senior at IDEA Mission College Prep and a bright leader at her school and in her community. She is the President of the National Honor Society and plays varsity volleyball and soccer. Despite her busy schedule, she is currently applying to colleges, including top choice schools like the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and University of Texas at Austin.
This April, Ximena was recognized as one of Texas’ most inspiring young leaders from 25 Boys & Girls Clubs in Texas at the 2025 Texas Youth of the Year Program. The Youth of the Year journey honors students at local, regional, and state levels before offering six teens the opportunity to win the National Youth of the Year title.
Youth of the Year Journey
During her participation as a McAllen Boys and Girls Club member, Ximena has invested her time in leadership, volunteering, sports, and other youth development activities. Through Boys and Girls Club’s “Think, Learn, Create Change” (TLC) advocacy program, Ximena learned how to address different challenges facing families in the Rio Grande Valley by sharing mental-health resources and had the unique opportunity to present before the U.S. Congress at Boys & Girls Club of America’s Summit for America’s Youth in Washington, D.C.
Ximena’s consistent effort to create change and use her voice to advocate for her community has paved the way for the National Youth of the Year honor. Earlier this year, Ximena was selected as an outstanding member by the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen to represent the Club at the state level in the 2025 Texas Youth of the Year program. The experience allowed participants to network, learn, and celebrate their growth as the next generation of changemakers.
2025 National Youth of the Year
The Youth of the Year program honors and celebrates the nation’s most inspiring teens and their personal journeys. Ximena understands that representing her school and community at the national level is important to helping others achieve their goals.
“Serving as a role model and representing millions of kids all over the country is truly an honor,” said Ximena.
“I am proud to represent IDEA Public Schools, where I’ve studied since kindergarten. IDEA has always believed in me and pushed me to aim higher. They have shaped who I am today and inspired me to help others see what’s possible,” she continues.
As National Youth of the Year, Ximena will serve as a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club across America and was awarded a $50,000 scholarship, an all-expense-paid Kohl’s shopping experience, and a new car.
“We are thrilled to name Ximena as our National Youth of the Year, representing millions of Club Kids and the voice, spirit and hope of our country,” said Jim Clark, President and CEO Boys & Girls Club of America. “All of our Youth of the Year finalists are shining examples of why America needs Club Kids: young people who are ready to lead, lift up others and shape a better future.”
Homecoming
Ximena was celebrated by her IDEA Mission Team and Family in a special school pep rally for her outstanding achievements. Her recognition at the national level is proof that with the right support and environment for our students, anything is possible.
“We are incredibly proud of Ximena and the way she has represented IDEA Public Schools, IDEA Mission, our community, and now our entire nation with this tremendous honor,” said Dr. Jeff Cottrill, CEO and Superintendent of IDEA Public Schools. “This recognition from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is not only a testament to her hard work and character, but also an inspiration to her peers and to all of us who believe in the power of education and service.”
Find your nearest Boys and Girls Club on the Boys and Girls Clubs of America website. Learn more about IDEA Public Schools in your region by visiting our campus locator.
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