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Citlally Diaz-Mar named state Youth of the Year

Citlally Diaz-Mar poses with Boys & Girls Club mentor Tae Brown after being named state Youth of the Year.

By Bill Moss, Published: March 19, 2025

Citlally Diaz-Mar, a North Henderson High School senior who is a top student, AP Scholar and leader of her peers outside school, has been named the 2025 North Carolina Youth of the Year, the Fazio Family Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County announced.

Eight finalists, each representing a different Boys & Girls Club from across the state, competed in the North Carolina Youth of the Year competition in Raleigh. To earn the title, Citlally competed in a rigorous selection process, including interviews with judges, a formal speech presentation and a review of her academic and community achievements. As the state winner, she now advances to the Southeast Youth of the Year competition June 10-13 in Atlanta.

Citlally’s journey to this achievement began at the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County, where she has been an active member and leader. At North High, she holds a 3.98 GPA. At the Club, she is Keystone president, a former Torch Club vice president and a LEAD Ambassador at her school, demonstrating her commitment to service and leadership. In the local Youth of the Year competition, she stood out among five impressive finalists, delivering a moving speech about the challenges she and her family faced as immigrants and the mentorship that shaped her journey.

“Despite facing significant challenges in her life, Citlally has chosen to turn her experiences into a force for good," Boys & Girls Club CEO Kent Parent said. "She is dedicated to helping others, and she makes our Club better along the way. We are all very proud of her.”
As the 2025 North Carolina Youth of the Year, Citlally has also earned a $2,500 scholarship from Kohl’s Cares scholarship program to support her education. She plans to attend UNC at Chapel Hill, where she plans to pursue a business and international relations degree, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer specializing in public policy and international relations.
“Those who know me understand that I’ve always talked quickly—sometimes too quickly—because my thoughts race ahead of my ability to keep up," she says. "But I refuse to slow down when there’s so much to express and advocate for.”