Denver, CO (June 2, 2025) |
The Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado announced the winners of the annual Colorado Youth of the Year Competition. The event was hosted by Tori Mason, an Emmy award-winning reporter at CBS Colorado on April 8 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Karson Fedinec from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado was named the Traditional Club winner, and Summer Holloway from RP Lee Youth Center at the Peterson Space Force Base was named winner from the military Clubs. These youth competed with 11 other finalists nominated from Boys & Girls Clubs statewide.
The winners were announced after participating in two days of interviews and speeches with judges, and a review of the work in their Clubs, schools and community. Karson, a 10-year Club member, has most recently been involved in youth community programs. Summer, a 13-year Club member, is known for encouraging positive relationships within the Club community.
“These remarkable young people exemplify the values and leadership we strive to cultivate in every Boys & Girls Club member,” said Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado Stuart Jenkins. “All 13 finalists are true champions for youth, and we are immensely proud of their courage, commitment and vision for the future.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado also honored Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Rep. Rick Taggart, Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Sen. Jeff Bridges, this year’s Champion for Youth Award recipients. Together they sponsored House Bill 24-1331, championing the establishment of a state grant program for comprehensive, high-quality out-of-school time providers. This critical legislation will provide resources to ensure more children and teens have access to safe, enriching and empowering opportunities outside of school hours.
“This legislation is a game-changer for young people,” Jenkins said. “Thanks to the leadership of these public servants, more kids will have access to safe, enriching and empowering opportunities during the critical hours outside of school.”
Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado extended special thanks to the distinguished panel of judges and to the event’s generous sponsors. The Credit Union of Colorado returned for a second year as the event’s title sponsor, alongside several other public and private supporters.
“None of this would be possible without the collective support of our partners,” Jenkins added. “Their investment in Colorado’s youth is shaping brighter futures and stronger communities.”