Join us in celebrating Chris Catalone, the extraordinary young leader named our 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year.
On November 20, 2025, the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center in Post Falls set the stage for our annual program.
The process for acceptance into the annual Youth of the Year competition involves several steps, beginning with three essays. Each participant writes about their Club Experience, What Matters to Me, and Personal Growth. Chris, who describes himself as outgoing and energetic, wrote the following:
“When I was first told to write about personal growth, I started to worry. But I calmed down when I realized it was more emotional, and I didn’t have to talk about how I’ve been 5’6” for the last three years.”
Staff members and peers at the Club appreciate Chris for his wit and humor, but they also respect him for the way he recently turned a serious mistake into a life lesson. The mistake he made led to his arrest and a brief period in jail — an experience that made him realize he had broken the trust of people who believed in him, and that his actions affected people who weren’t directly involved.
For Chris, the Club has always been a place where he felt safe and free to express himself. It was also where he met role models who changed his life. These mentors taught him to learn from his mistakes, forgive himself, and help others do the same.
He never once doubted that the Club had his back, because it was never just an after-school program. It was a place full of people who genuinely cared about him and his future.
“What started as just a place I didn’t even want to go to, at first, turned into a second home I never knew I needed.”
Congratulations, Chris, on your journey. Everyone at the Club is proud of you! We’ll always have your back.
* Chris advances to the State of Idaho competition in Boise on February 3, 2026.
Our 2026 Contestants
Coeur d'Alene Club
River Woodworth, Chris Catalone, Sienna Miller,
Ryley Watson, Noah Mirabella
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Post Falls Club
Michael Higgason
Download the event program here.
NIC Invests in the Future by Awarding Remarkable Student Scholarships
North Idaho College President Nick Swayne joined us for the celebration, offering encouragement to every finalist and reminding them that their educational journey can continue right here at North Idaho College.
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As the evening drew to a close, he returned to the spotlight to award our champion, Chris, a full-tuition scholarship made possible through the NIC Foundation. Each of the remaining five participants also received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
We extend our sincere gratitude to President Swayne and the NIC Foundation for their unwavering commitment to our mission. Their investment empowers the next generation of young leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve remarkable things.
Nick Swayne, President of NIC