Together, we are creating spaces where young people can see themselves in education, embrace their potential and grow into the future leaders of their community.
South Mountain Community College dual enrollment student Sinai Antone received the 2026 Youth of the Year honor at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community’s fifth annual Youth of the Year banquet. The award recognizes a club member for their service, academic success and character.
Sinai is currently a junior at Betty Fairfax High School and has been taking dual enrollment classes at SMCC for the past academic year. She has been a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community, Komatke Branch for 11 years, where she has exemplified her leadership and dedication through many achievements in helping her community.
Her advocacy work includes championing for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples, meeting with Arizona senators and congressmen and being featured at this year’s Super Bowl through the NFL Inspire Change Challenge, which focuses on reducing barriers through social justice efforts.
SMCC’s relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community began in the fall of 2025, when SMCC President Hipolito along with Interim Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Travis May, Student Services Manager Arnold Torres and Program Manager of Academic Affairs Kyle Mitchell learned about the Youth of the Year award through a meeting with the organization.
In turn, SMCC has partnered with the organization to offer support to members of the Boys and Girls Clubs through the college’s Storytelling Institute by providing tools and resources for their success.
Later this month, Sinai will be coached by SMCC Storytelling Institute Director Liz Warren, who will work with her to help further enhance her public speaking abilities in preparation for upcoming endeavors at different regional, state and national competitions.
“South Mountain Community College is proud to support the Gila River Indian Community Boys and Girls Clubs’ learning opportunities that uplift youth, honor culture and strengthen community connections,” said Kyle Mitchell, SMCC Program Manager of Academic Affairs. “Together, we are creating spaces where young people can see themselves in education, embrace their potential and grow into the future leaders of their community.”