Keystone Club Teens Lead with Purpose on MLK Day of Service

On January 19, 2026, over 70 teens from Boys & Girls Clubs Metro Baltimore gathered at the Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club for a powerful Keystone Club MLK Day of Service – a day that brought leadership, service, and future planning to life in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. 

The event reflected the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Baltimore mission: to enable all young people – especially those who need us most – to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Throughout the day, Keystone teens did exactly that. 

Building Leaders Through Dialogue 

The day created space for meaningful conversations that pushed teens to step outside their comfort zones and connect with peers from different Clubs. 

Manager of Club Experience Kyra Nichols shared, “We wanted teens to get comfortable being uncomfortable and have real conversations with other young people. Dialogue is so important and creating a safe space for them to practice that pours into their future.” 

Through teen led icebreakers and group discussions, teens strengthened communication skills and learned to listen to different perspectives. This is a reflection of BGCMB’s People-Centered Approach and commitment to Embracing Perspective. 

Exploring Futures and Career Pathways 

An engaging career panel introduced teens to professionals from diverse industries, including sports, fashion, design, and entrepreneurship. Youth were captivated by stories that showed success doesn’t follow just one path.  

Kyra noted, “They were really tuned in. It helped them see that paths aren’t always clear and there are many directions you can go. College, entrepreneurship, design school...their interests in fashion, sports, and branding felt more possible after hearing from real professionals.” 

Howard Community College Club Coordinator Candice Brown connected the experience directly to Dr. King’s legacy: “MLK’s dream was about helping people see beyond today. This helped our teens start thinking future-ready what career do I want, and how can I work toward something bigger than myself?” 

The session embodied BGCMB’s Relentless Pursuit of growth and opportunity, encouraging teens to dream boldly and take steps toward their goals. 

Service in Action 

Service was at the heart of the day. Teens worked together on hands-on projects, including preparing meals and writing heartfelt notes for individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Baltimore. 

Ravens Club Manager of Great Futures Kahron Connor reflected, “Teens were asking where the sandwiches were going and who they were helping. They wrote messages to people experiencing homelessness and really thought about the impact. They bonded while serving.” 

By working alongside teens from other Clubs, youth saw what it means to come together across communities, a true example of Embracing Perspective and living the mission to become caring, responsible citizens. 

Leadership, Teamwork, and Community 

The day also strengthened teens understanding of Keystone Club itself and their role as leaders. 

Kahron shared, “A lot of our Club kids had a realization of what Keystone really is and what it means to lead. They started to understand the power of youth impact and that their voices play an important role in shaping their Club and community.”

BGCMB Director of Programs Anna Hanzsche emphasized the leadership growth she witnessed: “Each Club selected teen leaders to help guide activities, and they really stepped up. Our teens were respectful, listened to staff, and represented their Clubs well. Keystone Club is a great way to recognize teens who have been committed and help them grow even more.” 

The energy of the day was undeniable. Candice described it as “high, excited, and focused on vision. Teens were hyped but also understood they were part of something bigger than themselves and work together as leaders and social changemakers.” 

This spirit reflects BGCMB’s Dynamic Passion, bringing enthusiasm, heart, and purpose to every experience we create for youth. 

Leadership On and Off the Court 

The event concluded with a high-energy basketball tournament that showcased teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. 

Kahron noted, “The games were heated, but at the end there was good sportsmanship. That’s what they’ll see in careers and in college competition, but also respect.” 

Through friendly competition, teens demonstrated that leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about character, accountability, and how you treat others. 

Growing the Keystone Movement 

Keystone Clubs across Boys & Girls Club of Metro Baltimore continue to grow as spaces where teens lead service projects, tackle issues like mental health, and engage their communities with purpose. All Clubs are now chartered, and a group of teens will represent Baltimore at the National Keystone Conference this summer as the organization works toward achieving Gold Status. 

Anna shared, “This is about giving teens opportunities to be recognized, take on leadership roles, and represent something bigger than themselves.” 

The MLK Day of Service was a living example of BGCMB’s mission and values in action. Teens didn’t just learn about leadership and service they practiced it. One child. One Club. One community at a time building the next generation of caring, responsible leaders.