Olivia Clough Named 2026 NSBA Youth Of The Year

Olivia Clough of Westminster, Vermont, has been named the 2026 NSBA Foundation Youth Of The Year. The award was presented at the NSBA Honors Banquet, held during the NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity.

The Youth Of The Year Award honors members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving others and improving their communities through volunteer work.

The Youth Of The Year recipient receives a $7,500 scholarship from the Susan Scott Memorial Fund. In addition to the scholarship, the NSBA Foundation will also present a $500 donation to the charity of choice in the recipient’s name. The NSBA Foundation also presents up to four National Finalists with a $2,000 stipend. Finalists were recognized at the annual NSBA Honors banquet during the NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity in August.

A Commitment To Youth

Olivia has found a special bond with her mentors, role models and the support of her family and friends who inspire her to help others in meaningful ways. She is a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and meets weekly with her paired youth in the Western Massachusetts area. “I’ve been able to help my paired youth to develop self-confidence and life skills, provide stability and emotional support and encourage them through academic and social decisions,” she explained. “I hope I’m giving them a role model they can trust.”

Olivia’s experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters has led her to co-found a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization called the Pathways To Opportunity Foundation. The organization has already formed a partnership with a school in Nigeria and will provide underprivileged classrooms with basic materials necessary for successful learning, including backpacks with supplies that will be distributed through partnering pediatric offices, allowing families to take supplies as needed.

“To me, volunteering has become a very important thing,” she said. “I define volunteerism as selflessly using your time and abilities to positively impact your community and society without expecting anything in return. I feel that it represents compassion, responsibility and willingness to contribute to something larger than myself while building connections and making a difference in one’s life. It extends much farther beyond what is tangible.”

The senior at Northfield Mount Hermon High School plans to major in psychology or criminal justice, and proceed to a minor in political science or psychology (depending on the school), and later pursue a masters/doctorate degree or go to law school. 

Three youth were named finalists for the 2026 award. Besides Olivia, finalists included June Drinkall, of Milledgeville, Illinois, and Kenidee Thomas, of Berwick, Pennsylvania.

The 2027 Youth Of The Year application deadline will be June 1, 2027. To learn more about the Youth Of The Year program, please visit nsba.com/youth-of-the-year.

https://nsba.com/archives/olivia-clough-youth-of-the-year