Fox Friday: Fox Lane’s Madeline Oh is the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester’s 2026 Youth of the Year

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Fox Lane junior Madeline Oh has been recognized as the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester’s 2026 Youth of the Year. She will advance to the state level, with the opportunity to compete for the national Youth of the Year title.

Three other Fox Lane High School candidates included:

• Junior Brittany Aguilar Duarte, a 12-year club member who serves as a junior staff member and vice president of the Liberty Keystone Club
• Sophomore Alexander Segarra, a 12-year club member who is active in Keystone Club, student council and theater
• Senior Juan Lopez Correa, a 12-year club member who serves as president of the Liberty Keystone Club

Madeline was recognized for her leadership in fundraising and advocacy and her demonstration of a strong commitment to service and community impact.

How did you feel when your name was announced for Northern Westchester Youth of the Year?

It was a mix between excitement and shock as my name was called for winning my local Youth of the Year. All the candidates that took part in the competition were very strong, so I was unsure where I would place overall. However, mostly I felt excited. Excited that I would be able to represent the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester at the state level and share my personal story of how the club made me into the person I am today.

How long have you been with the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester? What has your club experience been like?

I am currently a seven-year Boys and Girls Club member. I first started going to the club to be part of the Marlins Swim team—which I am still a part of—and I quickly began taking part in other club activities.

Apart from Youth of the Year, I volunteer at swim meets at the club pool and attend the annual trip to the capitol in Albany, where youth from the club advocate for program funding.

This year specifically, we focused on gaining funding for mental health services and after-school programming. My club experience has been nothing but enriching, and the best part has been being able to learn about myself and striving to make sure others have the same club experience.

Has the club taught you anything that you think you’ll bring with you after high school?

The club has taught me numerous life lessons that I will carry with me well after high school ends. The most important skill, in my opinion, was learning how to be a good leader.

The majority of my Youth of the Year speech included the story of my pathway to learning what being a good leader means. I said, "Being a good leader has little correlation to accomplishments, commands, or titles. Rather, it is when who you are consistently aligns with how you behave."

Along with this, I came to realize some of the best leaders are the ones that are able to listen well to others and then make decisions in the best interest of everyone.

As for other skills, I was able to strengthen my essay-writing abilities and practice public speaking with various mentors.

Is there anything else you think people should know?

I would like others to know that taking part in programs like Youth of the Year is incredibly meaningful and gives you exposure to lifelong skills that can be applied during high school and beyond.