HHS Junior Named State Youth of the Year

A Havre de Grace High School student was recently named the Maryland Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club in Annapolis, according to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County.

Zayrron Blake is a junior at Havre de Grace High School who has been a member of the Havre de Grace Boys & Girls Club for seven years, according to a statement from Harford County Public Schools.

"He is an A student and gifted athlete, earning both Principal’s Honor Roll awards as well as varsity athletic awards," the statement said.

At the Havre de Grace Boys & Girls Club, Blake is president of the Keystone Club, which is a teen leadership group for community service; he also assists staff with programming and helps with activities, according to the statement.

"Zayrron’s family situation was very challenging," according to Harford County Public Schools. Through guidance at the club, he worked through his challenges by making positive choices and now helps others as a peer mediator.

“This club is like a second home to me and it means a lot to me," Blake said in prepared remarks. "The best part of it is that every day when you walk through those doors, a new beginning is waiting for you to explore. It is a fresh start for bigger and better opportunities."

His next move? Blake is considering studying psychology at Purdue University.

Having been named Youth of the Year in Annapolis, he will also be entered into the regional Youth of the Year competition, according to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County.