<a href="http://www.planetfitness.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Planet Fitness</a>, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, today announced it has awarded Liam Shadrick from Arlington, Massachusetts, its annual <a href="https://www.planetfitness.com/pf-purpose" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Judgement Free Generation&reg;</a> scholarship, which awards teens for continuously promoting inclusion, acceptance and kindness in their communities. Shadrick is going to Georgetown University this fall to study environmental science.
Fifty Boys &amp; Girls Club high school seniors nationwide each received a $5,000 scholarship and joined the JFG Squad, Planet Fitness' network of scholarship recipients. More than half of this year&rsquo;s Judgement Free Generation&reg; scholarship winners (58 percent) represent first-generation college students.&nbsp;
Planet Fitness has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to 380 teens across the country since 2017, contributing $250,000 this year alone. While many traditional scholarships award athletic or academic achievement, the Judgement Free Generation&reg; scholarship program was created to recognize youth who exemplify values of kindness and acceptance and actively promote those principles in their communities. The scholarship recipients were selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants using a multi-tiered review process based on several criteria including a personal essay, staff recommendations, and a video submission. The submissions were evaluated by how the participant actively promotes kindness and inclusion by demonstrating Judgement Free&trade; values.
Read about how our inspiring Arlington JFG Squad member is making an impact in his local community and contributing to a more Judgement Free&trade; tomorrow:
&ldquo;When individuals feel accepted for who they are and where they are starting, they are more willing to try new things and contribute to the group. Over time, this acceptance creates environments where people feel comfortable growing together,&rdquo; said Liam.
Volunteerism and promoting inclusion are at the core of Liam's upbringing. He strives to be a hub for community and connection, transforming his kitchen into a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and laughter. Every week, he invites friends and new students from school into his home to share food, stories, and a sense of belonging.
&ldquo;Boys &amp; Girls Clubs have been a tremendous community partner for us in all of our local clubs, and we are so happy for this opportunity to recognize a local youth member who is making a difference,&rdquo; said James Innocenti, Chief Operating Officer, Supreme Fitness, &ldquo;Our nearby Planet Fitness in Cambridge and our whole team send a big congratulations to Liam.&rdquo;
Since partnering in 2016, Planet Fitness - alongside its franchisees, members, and partners - has contributed more than $12 million to advance youth wellbeing and empower the next generation to create kinder communities through its Judgement Free Generation&reg; initiative. As part of this effort, the Company has led the way in funding innovative social-emotional skill-building programs for Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America professionals. Rooted in a trauma-informed approach, these programs acknowledge the lasting impact of trauma on youth and provide meaningful pathways for healing, personal growth, and development. Planet Fitness has also established mini&ndash;Judgement Free Zones&reg; in select Boys &amp; Girls Clubs, hosted Judgement Free&reg; Fit Days, in-person fitness experiences for youth, and participated in volunteering activities across the country.
Learn more about Planet Fitness&rsquo; efforts to enhance the communities where people live, work and workout through <a href="https://www.planetfitness.com/pf-purpose" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">PF Purpose</a>.&nbsp;
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About Planet Fitness Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2026, Planet Fitness had approximately 21.5 million members and 2,930 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company&rsquo;s mission is to enhance people&rsquo;s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone&reg;. Approximately 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business owners.&nbsp;

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