Success Stories
Great futures start here.Boys & Girls Clubs’ Youth of the Year program honors and celebrates the nation’s most inspiring kids and their incredible journeys. Their stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program.
Jared
Maryland Youth of the Year 2024-2025
Carroll County Youth of the Year
Jared is a dedicated leader who brings heart to everything he does, from mentoring younger members to energizing the room as the Club mascot. His growth reflects his belief that success is possible for anyone willing to believe in themselves. “Success isn’t limited to a select few. It’s possible for anyone who is willing to grow and believe in themselves. Jared says “One of the biggest lessons I have learned at the Boys & Girls Club is patience. I now understand that the world does not revolve around me and that sometimes I need to take a step back, be patient, and consider other perspectives.”
Abigail
Military Youth of the Year
Abigail is kind, creative, and resilient, always stepping up to help the mentors and make the Club a welcoming space for everyone. She enjoys supporting younger members and learning new ways to face life’s challenges. “The Club impacts my life by showing me and many others another way to solve problems and how to deal with them.”
Reagan
Westminster Junior Youth of the Year:
Leading the Way in Every Community
Reagan brings joy and positivity to the Westminster Club, finding comfort and connection in the kindness of mentors and friends. Even on hard days, the Club is where she feels welcomed, supported, and ready to share her brightest moments. “When I get off the bus feeling gloomy and tired, just hearing ‘Hi Reagan, how was your day?’ makes me want to be there and not want to leave.”
Cecilia
Elementary Youth of the Year
Cecilia is creative, respectful, and a loyal friend who brings positive energy to the Club every day. The Club has helped her grow her confidence, express herself through art, and build strong friendships. “I love spending time with my friends and doing art at the Club.”
Alex
Rising Star
Alex is full of energy and always smiling. He loves all things tech – from Minecraft to 3D printing. He is happiest when he’s creating and exploring in the Tech Hub. “I would spend every day in the Tech Hub if I could!”
Nicole
North Carroll
Youth of the Year
Nicole has built lasting friendships and discovered a strong sense of belonging through the people and experiences she’s found at the Club. “It’s a second home where I’ve felt inspired, safe, and supported.”
Brayden
Sykesville
Junior Youth of the Year
Brayden joined the Club by choice and quickly discovered how it could shape his goals and mindset. It is where he has learned to stay focused, face fears, and lead with empathy.
“The Club inspired me to work hard in school… This inspiration also taught me goal-setting skills.”
Lyland
Northwest
Junior Youth of the Year
Lyland credits the Club with helping him make better choices, manage his time, and put himself first. As a Leader in Training, he has built strong connections while gaining valuable experience working with younger kids. “The Club is an active community that changed me into the better person.”
Brittney
North Carroll
Junior Youth of the Year
Brittney is a quiet yet confident leader whose bubbly personality lights up the Club. She found joy and adventure through Fly Fishing Club and leads by example with kindness and curiosity. “I loved Fly Fishing Club!”
Andreanna
Mt. Airy
Junior Youth of the Year
Andreanna was once reserved, but at the Club she found the friends, support, and safety that helped her come out of her shell. Now, it is the place where she feels most confident, inspired, and truly herself. “I chose Boys & Girls Club over all other activities.”
Previous Maryland Youth of the Year Representatives
Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Each year, thousands of Club teens participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events where one outstanding young person is named Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson. Each State Youth of the Year is a role model, leader, and advocate for the thousands of youths served by Boys & Girls Clubs each year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County is proud to have represented Maryland with 4 state winners!
Chandice
Maryland Youth of the Year 2024-2025
Jailen
Maryland Youth of the Year 2023-2024
Jamison
Maryland Youth of the Year 2022-2023
Steven
Maryland Youth of the Year 2020-2021
The Capree Brown Heart of a Champion Award
Our first Club graduate is the namesake of this special award.
Capree was born premature, with severe medical issues that have required years of surgeries, leaving him legally blind. Capree is a gentle soul with an amazingly positive attitude. Capree inspires everyone he meets and leaves them with a smile. After graduation, Capree went on to work at Carroll Hospital where he continues to inspire those around him. When asked about his time at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster Capree said, “this is my home and these are my people. I feel safe here.”
Angie
Heart of a Champion 2024-2025
Angie is confident and resilient and uses her life experiences as opportunities to better herself. She values hard work, optimism, and self-improvement. Her positive attitude and determination to succeed inspire everyone that meets her. She has a way of cheering everyone on which creates a happy and positive environment. Her fellow club members describe her as a down-to-earth person that always makes you smile. Angie truly embodies the “HEART of CHAMPION.”
Mission
“To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”
We accomplish this mission by providing a safe place to learn and grow, develop ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, participate in life-enhancing programs, build character development experiences, hope, and opportunity. In all of our programs we utilize a time-tested youth development strategy.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County | 410-386-0135 | info@bgccarrollcounty.org | 71 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 | Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America