JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida proudly announces that the Keystone Jaguars Club has achieved the Legacy Keystone Charter designation for the 2024–2025 program year. This is the highest level of recognition granted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, awarded only to Keystone Clubs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to leadership, service, and community impact.
The Keystone Club program is a premier teen leadership initiative that empowers youth to create positive change in their Clubs and communities. Through service projects and peer-led initiatives, Keystone members build life skills, confidence, and a strong sense of social responsibility. From hosting mental health summits to raising funds for youth programs, teens in the Keystone Jaguars Club are learning to lead with purpose and preparing for success in school, careers, and life.
“This Legacy designation is not just an award, it’s a reflection of the heart and hard work of our young leaders,” said Paul Martinez, President/CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “Their commitment to uplifting our communities, supporting mental health, and embracing inclusion proves that the future is in good hands. This is exactly what the Boys & Girls Clubs movement is about.”
To earn this honor, clubs must log a minimum of 600 cumulative service hours. The Keystone Jaguars Club representing Duval, St. Johns and Clay counties surpassed that requirement with an impressive 914 hours of service an achievement that underscores the club’s dedication to making a lasting difference.
Impact Highlights:
Total Keystoners Involved: 26
Clubs Represented:
Edward H. White High School Teen Center Keystone Club
Clay County High School Keystone Club
Citi Teen Center Keystone Club
McKenzie's Beaches Keystone Club
THE PLAYERS Championship Keystone Club
Signature Service Projects:
Healthy Hands, Healthy Minds: A mental health summit contributing 725 service hours focused on well-being and youth empowerment
Suicide Prevention Awareness Showcase: A creative performance event promoting emotional wellness
Valentine’s Day Letters to the Ronald McDonald House: Compassionate outreach to families in crisis
Autism Awareness Walk: Advocating for inclusion and understanding
The Keystone Jaguars' Club recognition as a Legacy Keystone Charter signals a legacy of youth-driven change, resilience, and leadership. These Club teens are not only the future, but they are also already leaders positively impacting Northeast Florida.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida:
For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 59 Clubs serve more than 5500 young people each day in Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: character and leadership, education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation. In a Harris Survey of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org