Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
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Hear an Update from the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County and Announcement of Enrique Rosario Liz as the Winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs 2026 Florida Youth of the Year
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Submitted By: Kate Parmelee, Deputy City Manager/Chief Innovation Officer
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Vision to support opportunities for all people to thrive.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County will provide an update on their current programs and announce the 2026 winner of the Boys & Girls Clubs 2026 Florida Youth of the Year (the organization’s highest honor), Ken Pruitt Club member, Enrique Rosario Liz. Now valedictorian at Port St. Lucie High School and heading to the University of Florida, Enrique has been an active member of the City of Port St. Lucie’s Youth Council since its inception -- he was elected Chair for the 2025-26 school year.
Presentation Information: Will Armstead, Boys and Girls Club, Chief Executive Officer will provide a brief presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear the presentation.
Background: The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County will provide an update on the work they are doing in Port St. Lucie to support youth. In addition, they will announce the winner of the
2026 Florida Youth, Ken Pruitt Club Member Enrique Rosario Liz. Enrique will represent Florida at the Southeast Youth of the Year competitions taking place this June. Selected from a remarkable group of Club youth from across the state, Enrique stood out for his leadership, resilience, service, and commitment to making a difference in their community. Throughout the multi-day selection process, candidates delivered speeches, participated in interviews, and shared personal stories that highlighted both their challenges and their aspirations. The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership recognition initiative, celebrating young people who embody the values of leadership, service, academic success, and healthy lifestyles. Each year, thousands of teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events, with finalists advancing to national competitions and serving as ambassadors for youth across the country.
Enrique’s journey through the Boys & Girls Clubs has been deeply shaped by his experience as an immigrant youth. A five-year member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, Enrique found mentorship, confidence, and purpose through programs like Keystone and Youth of the Year.
Now a senior with a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend the University of Florida to study Elementary Education, Enrique has become a passionate advocate for inclusion, education, and youth voice. He currently serves as Keystone President, Chair of the Port St. Lucie Youth Council, and President of the National Honor Society, while also leading a Spanish language and culture program for younger Club members.
Enrique often reflects on the emotional realities of immigration, the pressures many immigrant youth face, and the importance of creating environments where all young people feel seen, supported, and valued. Through initiatives like the Spanish language and culture program he created at his Club, Enrique works to foster inclusion, empathy, and opportunity for younger members. As a future educator, he hopes to help build a world where education becomes “a step forward, not a barrier to overcome.”
Those who know Enrique describe him as a leader who combines humility, compassion, and determination. His mentors credit him with helping strengthen civic engagement opportunities for youth throughout Port St. Lucie and consistently using his voice to uplift others.
Enrique’s personal vision is simple but powerful: “A future where all youth, regardless of their background, feel seen, valued, and uplifted for being exactly who they are.”
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Attachments: 1. A PowerPoint presentation will be provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
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