This bill is a legislative commemoration celebrating the South Dakota Youth of the Year program for 2026. It highlights the significant impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in South Dakota, which serve over eighteen thousand children and teens annually at sixty locations. The mission of these clubs is to help young people, particularly those in need, to achieve their full potential as responsible citizens. The programs offered by the clubs focus on improving self-image, education, and social awareness, while fostering community involvement and strong moral values.

The commemoration specifically recognizes the Youth of the Year program as the premier platform for acknowledging youth who demonstrate exceptional service to their clubs and communities, academic excellence, and family contributions. It notes that nominees from various South Dakota clubs have earned the title of Youth of the Year, and on March 4, 2026, one nominee will be selected to represent the state in the National Youth of the Year program. The bill concludes by commending the Boys & Girls Clubs for their dedication to youth and families and celebrating the accomplishments of the 2026 Youth of the Year finalists.