2026 CA COASTAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR

2026 CA COASTAL YOUTH OF THE YEAR

A woman with reddish-burgundy hair wearing a white shirt and blue blazer, standing in front of a backdrop with 'Youth of the Year' logos and text.

delivered her powerful speech at the California Coastal Youth of the Year competition in Solvang and her story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. Hita is paving a new way for her family and her community. With her college acceptance letters rolling in, she remains on track to become the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend college - and she has officially accepted her offer to attend Washington State University this fall! For the past eight years, Hita has spent countless hours in our Clubs - from after school until closing, and even on Saturdays. In a community of hardworking field workers, her journey is a powerful reminder that a young person’s circumstances do not define their future when they have access to opportunity, support, and mentorship. Although she did not advance in the competition, she won the hearts of the room, our Club, our Board, our community, and everyone she meets - with her willingness to learn, grow, and lead the way!

Hitantiva Ramirez, our 2026 Youth of the Year,

Two women standing in front of a backdrop with blue emblem logos that read 'YOUTH of the YEAR' with words 'Lead, Succeed, Inspire' and the name 'Raymond James'. One woman is wearing a blue floral dress and glasses, the other a blue blazer and white shirt, smiling for the photo.
A woman with red hair smiling and pointing at a poster of herself dressed as a superhero inside a room with beige walls and a black carpet, with a walker and a red bag in the background.
Two women standing in front of a blue and white backdrop with 'Youth of the Year' logos. One woman is holding a glass award. Both women are smiling.
At an indoor event, a woman in a blue blazer stands at a podium speaking, with a man in a suit beside her. In the background, a large screen displays colorful superhero-themed artwork with the title 'Hit Antiva' and an illustrated woman in a superhero costume.
Three people standing in front of a backdrop with the text 'YOUTH OF THE YEAR' and Raymond James logo. A woman in a peach blazer is holding a trophy and smiling, with a man in a brown suit and glasses and a woman in a black dress with a floral pattern.

of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme received the 2026 Coastal California CEO of the Year Award, presented by Boys & Girls Clubs Area Council Leadership: The Power of Purpose. Receiving this recognition would not be possible without the heart and determination of members like Hita. BGCOP is motivated by inspiring youth, dedicated team members, committed Board members, and generous partners who support this work as we continue inspiring and enabling young people - especially those who need us most - to reach their full potential.

We wish Hita the very best of luck at Washington State, they are lucky to have her!

Erin Antrim, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of

Group of nine young diverse students dressed in semi-formal attire standing in front of a backdrop with blue logos for 'Youth of the Year' and 'Raymond James', smiling for a photo.
A man in a light gray suit and a woman in an orange blazer are standing together indoors, smiling at the camera. The woman is holding an award plaque that reads '2026' and 'Leadership.' They are in front of a plain white wall and a whiteboard.
A group of eight people standing in front of a backdrop with multiple blue logos that read 'Youth of the Year' and the name 'Raymond James.' The group includes men and women of diverse ages and ethnicities, smiling and posing for a photo. One person is holding a large poster of a cartoon girl dressed as a superhero with a cape, with text that reads 'Hitanika,' celebrating her as the girl of the year.
Two young women standing together in front of a backdrop with the Boy & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year logo. The woman on the right has shoulder-length red hair, a bright smile, and is wearing a blue blazer over a cream-colored shirt. The woman on the left has long blonde hair, a neutral smile, and is wearing a black sleeveless top with layered necklaces.