Success Stories

Chandice
Maryland Youth of the Year 2024-2025
Carroll County Youth of the Year

Growing up in a military family, I bounced around which caused me to lose interest in making friends and pursuing passions. That changed during my sophomore year of high school when I joined the Boys & Girls Club. The Club became my second family. I had friends to connect with, opportunities to get involved with and adults who took a genuine interest in who I was. Becoming a junior leader at the club’s summer camp during my first year was a transformative experience and provided me with invaluable leadership training and opportunities to serve others. Through my involvement, I accumulated over 700 service hours, contributing to various community projects.

The Boys & Girls Club is a place where I feel accepted and valued. It is a community that embraced me with open arms. The mentors at the club are interested in having conversations with me and have encouraged me to explore my interests. From my leadership training to participating in various programs like Smart Girls, Workforce Development and Torch Club, I gained skills and experiences that shaped my character and outlook on life. The Boys & Girls Club gave me a sense of purpose and belonging. It became more than just a place to spend time after school; it became my second home where I felt that I could make a difference. The relationships I formed and the lessons I learned at the club have had a lasting impact on my life.

Owen
Junior Youth of the Year

When I first started going to the Boys and Girls Club of Carroll County after school, it was because my parents both worked late. The club was a safe place for me to stay until I could go home. The mentors helped me with my homework and made sure I wasn’t struggling with my assignments. As I got older and my confidence grew, I started to get involved in many different clubs and activities at BGC. I enjoy socializing with mentors, participating in programs, journaling about feelings, expressing myself through art, and much more. I have developed great relationships with peers and mentors at the Club. Being a BGC member has both helped and challenged me to be the best person I can be. It has helped me to be more confident in myself and become a better communicator with how I speak to my peers and adults. It has also helped me learn better time management skills, by focusing on my schoolwork first, before the fun activities. BGC is a very safe place where I never feel judged or made fun of. Being a member of the BGC has challenged me to try new things and step outside of my comfort zone. I have learned how to speak up for myself and ask questions instead of missing fun opportunities because I was too nervous. I am so honored to be a leader and a role model for the other members.

The Capree Brown Heart of a Champion Award

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.”