Celebrating Brighter Futures at the 19th Annual Youth of the Year Awards Gala
On March 6th, The Salvation Army Youth of the Year (YOY) Ambassadors hosted the 19th Annual “Brighter Futures” Awards Gala, an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of young leaders in our community. With approximately 400 guests in attendance, we proudly recognized 61 graduates of this year’s Youth of the Year Scholarship Program.
A highlight of the evening was honoring Charles L. Roff for his faithful service and generous support of The Salvation Army’s life-changing programs, including the Red Shield Youth Centers, which serve hundreds of young people each year.
The event was chaired by Merele Yarborough, and attendees were moved by the powerful speeches from this year’s winners and a returning alumnus who shared how the program shaped their journey.
The YOY Ambassadors play a vital role in mentoring and guiding the youth in this scholarship program. Their dedication through volunteering, mentorship, and financial support helps shape the next generation of leaders. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Houston-area donors, this year’s graduates received a total of $311,000 in scholarships to support their future college or trade school education.
A special thank you to H-E-B, our presenting sponsor, for their unwavering commitment to investing in the futures of our youth.