Congratulations to Karson Fedinec. Karson is not only the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado’s Youth of the Year Winner but the Colorado Youth of the Year. We are so proud of Karson and his history-making win. On May 16th, Karson will compete in the Southwest Region Youth of the Year Competition. W are so proud and excited for him. Karson is a shining example of how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado help all kids BE GREAT.

In Northwest Colorado we select one Youth of the Year from a pool of nominees to represent the success of the Club aligning with our mission. We are looking for a Club member who is realizing their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens with the help of the BGCNWC. This year, we have 7 outstanding Youth of the Year nominees, each who attended the Club as a child and worked at the Club for 2 – 4 years.

On Wednesday, February 26th, at 6 pm, at CMC’s Allbright Auditorium, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado hosted the Youth of the Year event. At the event, we heard moving speeches from all the nominees about how the Club has helped them grow, an obstacle they have overcome, their plans, and who they are. The 2025 Youth of the Year winner was chosen; this year, it was Karson Fedinec from our Craig Club. If you wish to hear his speech and the other nominees, please click the below link.

All seven nominees will receive scholarships to further their education.

This scholarship is vital to their futures.

The Youth of the Year 2025 Program Recording

Molly

Steamboat Springs High School Senior

Joined Club: Kindergarten

The community I’ve built at the Club with the kids and staff is unique—it’s like a second family, full of warmth and positivity. As a staff member, I ensure every child knows my name, feels safe coming to me, and knows I’ll always be here for them. Seeing the kids grow, learn, and thrive makes my heart full. I love teaching kindness, showing that if I use a kind voice, they can too. The Club’s programs, like Positive Action for confidence, STEAM for creativity, and Spark for exercise, bring so much joy and growth to their lives. The Club has constantly supported me, and now as a staff I get to be the mentor I wish I’d had. With certifications like CPR, Wilderness First Responder, and CNA, I’m on my way to becoming a pediatrician, driven by my dream to help kids and make a difference in their lives.

Eme

Steamboat Springs High School Senior

Joined Club: 1st Grade

Every time I walk into the Club, the kids come running to greet me, filling the space with joy. The Club feels like my second family. As a child, I loved coming on school days off, making new friends, and being surrounded by caring, fun staff. Now, as a staff member, I strive to help kids form friendships and learn to work together. One of my most impactful experiences was participating in Youth of the Year last year. I learned how to write and deliver a speech, and I was inspired by how participants found strength and support by sharing their stories. I recently completed my CNA course and plan to attend University of Colorado Denver to earn a BSN specializing in pediatrics and perhaps become a nurse practitioner.

Gabriela

Steamboat Springs High School Senior

Joined Club: As a Junior Staff

When I first started working at the Club, I was shy, nervous, and often stayed close to my friend Evelyn, who also works there. Two years later, thanks to Evelyn’s example, I’ve gained confidence and now love interacting with the kids, always striving to make them feel comfortable. As a bilingual staff member, I’ve enjoyed tutoring children and helping them feel welcome in an inclusive environment. Working at the Club has given me amazing new opportunities, like taking kids on field trips all around town. Outside of the Club, I work with my father in masonry and run my own flower arrangement business. Although I didn’t attend the Club as a child, thinking I wouldn’t belong, I now see its incredible community and wish I had been part of it. Next, I’ll begin studying Architecture at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Hailey

Steamboat Springs High School Senior

Joined Club: As a Junior Staff

Every day at the Club, I get to connect with so many amazing kids, each bringing their own sweetness and energy. I really enjoyed Rhythm Nation, a music program because it welcomed everyone, regardless of their musical ability. Another favorite was Garden Club, I enjoyed biking there, watching the kids try new fruits and vegetables, and seeing their pride as they brought produce back to the Club to store in their cubbies. Working here has also helped me develop valuable communication skills, especially learning how to engage with kids at their level to provide comfort and attention. These experiences have shaped my future goals, and I plan to attend college to become an OBGYN, continuing to support others in meaningful ways.

Lelle

Steamboat Springs High School Senior

Joined Club: 3rd Grade

When I was eight, my family moved from a small, close-knit community to Steamboat, and I didn’t know anyone. It was overwhelming, but the Club became my safe haven. It taught me how to make friends and feel like I belonged. My favorite part of the Club was the Mary Brown Teen Center. The staff there was, and still is, incredible. Once I was old enough, I had the choice to stay home or go to the Mary Brown Teen Center. It was such a fun and welcoming place that I almost always chose the Club over being bored at home. Coming from a family of teachers, and working with all the kids at the Club I am inspired me to continue that legacy by becoming a teacher myself.

Karson – 2025 Winner, Colorado Youth of the Year

Moffat County High School Junior

Joined Club: Kindergarten

I first came to the Club as a young child and loved being surrounded by kids from all over the community—some of my closest friendships were formed here. The Club has always been a place where I can truly be myself and continuously learn, not just from the staff and programs but also from the children. Recently, I helped a child who was struggling and feeling sad. I told him it’s okay to feel that way, that it happens to everyone, and that the Club is a safe space where we’ll support him. I wanted him to know what I’ve discovered myself: the Club is always there for you. After graduating next year, I plan to become an Aerospace Engineer, but I hope to stay in a rural community, continue ranching, and raise a family.

Espy

Moffat County High School Junior

Joined Club: 2nd Grade

The Club taught me kindness. When I was younger, I wore my attitude on my sleeve, I was sassy, rude, and mean at times. But the staff never gave up on me. They didn’t yell or give up; instead, they patiently taught me that being rude wasn’t necessary. The other kids here at the Club didn’t know my story, yet they showed me love, and eventually I learned to love them back. Now, as a staff member, I carry kindness on my sleeve because of the lessons I learned here. My favorite program, SOS Outreach, taught me to ski and explore the mountains, showing me how much life has to offer. In the future, I plan to become an elementary education teacher and carry these lessons forward.

Click Here to Donate to the 2025 Youth of the Year Scholarship Fund