Nludi Celestino, a senior at Casco Bay High School, has been selected as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026 Maine State Youth of the Year! In recognition of being selected, Nludi also received a $2,500 scholarship awarded by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Nludi was awarded the state title on May 6. He entered the state competition after being selected as Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine’s Youth of the Year from a pool of candidates across the Southern Maine clubs in April by a panel of six community judges. Nludi had to submit a resume and cover letter, write three essays and deliver a speech, while preparing for the panel of judges to interview him. He now will head to New York in early June to compete in the Youth of the Year regional competition.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year competition is a local, state, regional, and national contest that recognizes club members’ extraordinary achievements, leadership, academic excellence, life, and workforce readiness.

“On behalf of everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, we are absolutely overwhelmed with pride in celebrating Nludi Celestino being named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Maine Youth of the Year,” said Colleen Cooper, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. “Nludi is the kind of young person who leaves a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, humility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place truly embody everything this honor represents.”

“Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club member can achieve,” Cooper continued. “It recognizes young people for their leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to empowering others, and there is no one more deserving of this recognition than Nludi. He leads not only through his accomplishments, but through the way he treats others, the example he sets, and the compassion he brings into every room he enters. His future is incredibly bright, his potential is limitless, and we have no doubt that he will continue to accomplish amazing things. We are so honored to have him represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and the state of Maine at the regional level.”

Casco Bay Principal Priya Natarajan describes Nludi as a standout leader at CBHS and in the Outdoor Leadership Program at the Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS).  “He is hard-working, has positive relationships across many friend groups and with his teachers, and helps move many student activities, within his crew, as president of BSU, and as a PATHS student.  He consistently looks for the good in others, advocates for his peers, and helps others connect to resources all over the city.” Natarajan said.

According to a biographical summary of Nludi’s accomplishments from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, “Nludi has made the most of every opportunity to grow, lead, and explore his interests. He has been actively involved in indoor and outdoor track, the outing club, ski club, and the literary magazine, while also serving as president of the Black Student Union.”

As a PATHS student, Nludi has focused on HVAC and plans to continue on that path at the New England Institute of Technology after graduation. His dedication and drive have earned him recognition as a PATHS Student of the Quarter (winter 2025) and as a conference facilitator with the Maine Youth Action Network.

“For the past eight years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine has been more than just a place to go for Nludi—it has been a second home, a support system, and a foundation for his growth,” the biographical summary continues. “As the child of immigrants, Nludi values the importance of hard work and community, both of which were reinforced through his experience at the Club. Surrounded by supportive peers and staff who consistently showed they cared about his goals and well-being, he found a space that encouraged him to become his best self. As Youth of the Year, his goal is to ‘uplift young voices and be someone that youth today can relate to.’ Guided by his strengths as a continuous learner, effective listener, and creative thinker, he is committed to advocating for others and making a lasting impact in his community.”

“We’re incredibly proud of this outstanding student for this well-deserved achievement,” said Superintendent Ryan Scallon. “I’d also like to recognize Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine for providing stable, fun and inclusive spaces for children and teens, many of them our students. Our Strategic Plan’s Whole Student goal commits the district to partnering with community organizations to promote belonging and engagement for our students. Thanks to Boys & Girls Clubs for being such a great community partner!”

Nludi was surprised and thankful to receive the award. “Every candidate put in a lot of work for it and they were all amazing,” he said.  He is thankful to all the staff who helped support him and to the judges who saw his potential.

“Thank you to my family and to everyone who has been supporting me,” Nludi said. “I know no matter what, I have the potential to achieve great things because of all the people who have helped shape me into who I am. Boys and Girls Clubs has supported me through college visits, help with schoolwork, creating a resume, and with so many more opportunities.”

The Portland Public Schools is Maine’s largest school district, with more than 6,200 students, and it’s also the most diverse. About one-third of the district’s students come from homes where languages other than English are spoken—a total of 61 languages. Approximately 49 percent of the district’s students are white and 51 percent are students of color. More than half of all PPS students are economically disadvantaged.