By Staff Writer – For the fourth year in a row, a member of the Westminster Boys & Girls Club has earned the highest youth honor in the state.
Jared Jefferson, a driven and inspiring 17-year-old from Carroll County, has been named the 2025 Maryland Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This prestigious award recognizes one exceptional teen from across Maryland who exemplifies leadership, academic success, community service, and healthy living.
And remarkably, Jared marks the fourth consecutive winner from the Westminster Club—an extraordinary streak that has placed this small-town Club on the state’s biggest stage.
“This is more than a coincidence—it’s a movement,” said Sean Davis, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County. “To have four straight state winners come from one community is unheard of. It speaks volumes about the incredible kids we have here, the commitment of our staff, and the heart of Carroll County.”
Jared has been a member of the Westminster Club for four years. During that time, he’s stepped up as a Junior Leader, served on the Keystone Club board, and even taken on the spirited role of Club mascot. He’s known for his positive attitude, dedication to self-improvement, and his natural ability to lift up those around him.
As Maryland Youth of the Year, Jared will represent thousands of Club members across the state and serve as an ambassador for the impact of the Boys & Girls Club experience. He’ll travel to New York City this June to compete in the Northeast Regional Youth of the Year Celebration, where he’ll go head-to-head with other top youth from across the region for a chance to advance to the national level.
The Youth of the Year program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition initiative, honoring teens who are making a difference in their communities and their own lives. Jared’s story, and the Westminster Club’s growing legacy, is a testament to the life-changing power of opportunity, mentorship, and community support.
“There’s something truly special happening here in Carroll County,” Davis said. “And Jared is the latest in a line of remarkable young people showing the entire state what’s possible when you invest in kids.”
With four consecutive Maryland Youth of the Year titles, the Westminster Boys & Girls Club is proving that big dreams—and big wins—can come from even the smallest towns.
