Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshall County honored with National 'Hero of Youth' Award

Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshall County has been recognized on a national level, receiving the "Hero of Youth" award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for its dedicated advocacy on behalf of young people across Indiana.

The prestigious honor is part of the national organization's Club Advocacy Engagement Recognition Program. The initiative highlights the daily advocacy efforts of local clubs, placing a special emphasis on community impact, creativity, and innovation.

Local club leaders say the award reflects their ongoing mission to support and uplift children and teens, ensuring their needs remain at the forefront of public policy and community discussions.

“Clubs like ours have a unique role as community leaders in providing valuable after-school programs to our country’s youth that enable them to achieve great futures,” said Matt Fischer, who handles Development and Marketing for the Marshall County clubs. “We are wholly committed to raising the visibility of the needs of the youth in our community, especially the ones who need us most, and show what we can accomplish with the support of our elected officials and our community.”

The organization works to provide safe spaces, mentorship, and essential resources to local youth, while simultaneously pushing for broader systemic support.

“Boys & Girls Clubs champion opportunities for all youth, equipping young people with the experiences and tools they need to succeed,” said Andrew Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshall County. “Our advocacy isn’t just a one-day event. We are raising our voices every single day to ensure top issues and solutions impacting young people are prioritized in our community, our state, and at the national level.”