Champion of the Year Candidate

Natalia Yurecko is Miss Minnesota's Teen 2026 and the Third Runner-Up at Miss America's Teen. An AP Scholar, classical pianist, author, and aspiring environmental attorney, Natalia serves on the Executive Leadership Team for her high school's Best Buddies chapter and is a 2026 Best Buddies Champion of the Year nominee. She believes every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and know they belong.

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Growing up with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Natalia experienced firsthand what it felt like to struggle with loneliness, isolation, and the fear of being misunderstood. Those experiences shaped her belief that belonging has the power to change lives and sparked her passion for Best Buddies, where she has found a community built on genuine friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. Natalia believes that when people are seen for their gifts instead of their challenges, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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That same belief inspired Natalia to create her community service initiative, Obtaining Confidence Daily, which promotes mental health awareness, expands access to resources, and reduces stigma through partnerships with schools, legislators, and nonprofit organizations. She has helped raise more than $300,000 for mental health organizations and is the author of Through Her Eyes: Understanding Anxiety, OCD, and the Truth That You Are Not Broken, written to remind young people and families that a diagnosis may explain part of someone's story, but it should never define their identity, limit their dreams, or diminish their potential. Natalia believes each person is whole, capable, and full of possibility.

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For years, Natalia has admired Mikayla Holmgren for showing the world what it looks like to lead with courage, joy, and authenticity. Mikayla's example reinforced a belief Natalia now carries into her own service: when we see people for their gifts instead of their limitations, we create communities where everyone can dream big. It is an honor for Natalia to be part of the annual Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion Show and walk alongside Best Buddies Global Ambassador James Keith, celebrating compassion, connection, and community.