Children in Need Director Recognized as Washington County’s Champion of Youth

Brittany Wedd, the Executive Director of Children in Need, has been named the 2026 Washington County Champion of Youth. This honor, bestowed by the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, will be formally presented at the organization’s Annual Youth of the Year Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 26, at Morgan Hall in Hagerstown. Wedd’s recognition highlights her significant contributions to supporting the educational and personal needs of young people in the community.

Wedd assumed her role at Children in Need in 2023, dedicating her efforts to ensuring that students within Washington County Public Schools have access to necessary resources for academic success. The organization, under her guidance, provides essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies to over 3,600 economically disadvantaged students annually. Prior to her leadership at Children in Need, Wedd served as the Executive Director of Discovery Station. In that capacity, she was instrumental in evolving the institution from a community-based educational center into a contemporary and innovative children’s museum. Her work at both organizations underscores a deep commitment to youth development and well-being in Washington County.

The upcoming awards dinner will not only celebrate Wedd’s achievements but also announce the recipient of the 2026 Andrew Hoffman Youth of the Year award. This esteemed accolade acknowledges an exceptional teenage member of the Boys & Girls Club who will serve as an ambassador for the organization and a representative for the youth of Washington County. The selected individual is expected to embody the core principles of the Boys & Girls Club and demonstrate the positive influence the club has on young lives. The winner of this award will then proceed to compete for the Maryland Youth of the Year title in May.

The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County offers a range of programs, including after-school activities and summer camps, to young people in Hagerstown and Cumberland. The organization’s overarching mission is to empower all young individuals, particularly those facing greater challenges, to achieve their full potential as contributing members of society. Those interested in attending the awards dinner can purchase tickets through the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County’s website at https://www.bgcwc.org/events/yoty/. For further inquiries regarding the event or the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, individuals may contact Amanda Rossen or Addie Nardi at 301-733-5422 or via email at amandarossen@bgcwc.org or addienardi@bgcwc.org, respectively.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Boys & Girls Club of Washington County

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