Local Teen Wins Scholarship from Panda Express and Boys & Girls Clubs of America

A remarkable Arkansas teen is making a real impact with fellow youth in his community and rising as a standout youth leader.

Holden Jefferies, a senior at Gravette High School in Gravette, Arkansas and a 13-year member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton County, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Panda Express’s philanthropic branch, Panda Cares. Panda Cares awarded more than 300 scholarships to Club high schoolers pursuing higher education in 2025.

Holden was selected as the winner due to his exceptional community service, dedication to academics, and outstanding leadership. Among his peers, Holden stands out as this year’s Arkansas Youth of the Year, one of BGCA’s highest honors that awards excellence in leadership and academics, which he also won in 2022. Additionally, Holden participates in the Keystone Leadership program, where he leads his peers to use their voices to implement projects to make a change in their communities, such as Holden’s efforts to end food insecurity.

This year, Holden will attend the University of Arkansas, where he will study Organizational Management and Leadership to help him pursue his dreams of becoming the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America or a late-night talk show host.