by Lois Szymanski, photography by Nikola Tzenov
“Imagine me as a kid, standing in the doorway, holding my bookbag — crying. Everybody else seemed like they knew they belonged, but I didn’t.”
These were the words 18-year-old Veimar Martinez spoke in late June before judges in New York City, recalling his first day at the Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) of Carroll County. He was there for the BGC Youth of the Year regional finals.
“I remember staring at the floor, just wishing I could go home,” he continues. “But I kept going back. At first, I didn’t talk to anybody. But all that was soon to change. You see, the first person I met was a girl who was a very unexpected friend. Jamison was someone who was a friend to everybody, and that was something I truly needed.”
Martinez says the Boys & Girls Clubs turned his life around, brought him out of his shell, taught him to trust himself and set him on a journey toward success. It is something this organization has done for kids for decades.
Martinez was the sixth member of the BGC of Carroll County in seven years to win the Maryland State Youth of the Year competition. Jared Jefferson won in 2025, Chandice Hood in 2024, Jailen Lemon in 2023, Jamison Welsh in 2022 and Steven Zbignewich in 2020. In addition, the club’s president and CEO, Sean Davis, was recognized as CEO of the Year in 2025.
For all the recognition the organization has earned, its real success seems to come from something less tangible — a culture that Davis says is built into how staff show up for kids every day.
“Our secret sauce starts with culture and relationship building,” Davis says. “Our members thrive because they are surrounded by caring adults who make them feel valued and their voices heard.
Our culture is welcoming, safe and supportive. When you combine the two, you create an environment that helps young people develop the skills, confidence and tools necessary to be successful in all walks of life.”
Boys & Girls Clubs rely on five key elements: a safe, positive environment; the fun that keeps youth engaged; supportive relationships, opportunities and expectations, and recognition — with experiences focused on changing young lives.
Erin Bishop, director of impact and strategy, agrees that the culture is what sets it apart.
“We teach a very specific culture here, and the kids know what that is,” Bishop says. “They become absorbed into it. They know that they have to be respectful. They have to be a role model for others. We look for passion and advocacy.”
Bishop says the Boys & Girls Clubs created a Leaders in Training (LIT) program, which led to the development of the Kahlert Leadership Academy.
“It’s a weeklong intensive summer boot camp that works toward development, career aspirations and the soft skills of leadership that not everyone teaches,” she says, “things like how to shake hands, how to look someone in the eye, how to give an elevator speech in just a few minutes.”
While Martinez didn’t win at regionals, this soft-spoken leader believes the Boys & Girls Clubs helped define who he is.
“I have come here every year since third grade,” he says. “We come from different backgrounds, yet we are all the same. Our differences unite us more than they divide us.” – Martinez
“A leader doesn’t have to be the loudest person in the room,” Bishop adds. “They just have to be someone who can take action. We put our kids in places where they have opportunities to lead.”
Chandice Hood, the 2024 State champion, says that she found a sense of community at the Boys & Girls Clubs.
“I grew up in a military family. We moved 10 times before I was 16 years old,” she shares. “I went to 10 different schools in 12 years. With all the moving, I never really had a community. I was a sophomore in high school when we transferred here, halfway through the year.”
Her mom signed her and her brother up for the after-school program at BGC. “I didn’t have a choice,” Hood says. “I was 16, and I didn’t want to come. I fought it.” Their first day fell on the day of the club’s Christmas Party.
“I remember thinking, ‘They’re having a party, and we’re going to be left out. We don’t know anyone.’ But they rushed and got me and my brother Christmas gifts for that day.” Her voice grew quiet. “I was shocked. They cared for me, even though they didn’t even know me.” “We do care for each other,” Bishop says.
Kids at BGC join activity groups. There are over a hundred activities, including fishing, cooking, culture club, running club, arts and crafts, knitting, crocheting mental health courses on how not to use vices and how to really work on yourself.”
Staff helped Welsh apply to Carroll Community College, land scholarships and find medical insurance after she graduated from high school. “Even after you graduate, they are still a big part of your life,” Welsh says. “They are your family.”
Working toward a degree in secondary art education, Welsh hopes to teach art in middle or high school.
“I’ve been working here for about three years now. Last summer, I ran the art curriculum for summer camp,” she says. “I grew up in their LIT program during middle school, and then junior staff in high school, and then you can become a mentor after you turn 18, so now I am a mentor.”
“We always say we are growing our next generation of club leadership,” Bishop says.
Silvia Martinez, Veimar’s mom, says she’s grateful for the club’s impact. English is a second language for her family, and help with homework from the Boys & Girls Clubs was invaluable when language was a barrier.
“Veimar has become an outstanding team player and developed remarkable leadership skills,” she says. “He’s learned the importance of taking care of himself, not only physically but mentally as well. Being a member of the club has shaped him into someone passionate about helping and giving back to the community, not only those close to home, but everyone in need.”
Veimar’s goal is to become a priest.
With six Maryland State Youth of the Year winners, BGC of Carroll County continues to impact kids. In 2025, the club served 1,178 kids countywide, including 175 attending summer camp weekly and 300 enrolled in the after-school program at the Westminster clubhouse. BGC also has a North Carroll Club and locations at Northwest Middle School, Sykesville Middle School and Oklahoma Road Middle School.
“I think the Boys & Girls Clubs is the most amazing thing for youth here in Carroll County,” Bishop says. “It’s a place where everyone fits in, and that is how leaders begin to grow. We start growing their skills on the day they walk into this club. They may be just 6 years old, but by the time they get to high school, those skills are inherent.”
Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County at BGCCarrollCounty.org or call 410-386-0135.
