Chapter History

Chartered in 1936, the Jaycees of Hagerstown was developed as a leadership training organization for young men, and eventually women between the ages of 21 and 35. It presents the opportunity for its members to develop their personal and leadership skills while contributing to their community.

In 1939, the Jaycees of Hagerstown extended their chapter to form new chapters in Frederick, Cumberland, Hancock, and Frostburg. In 1959, another extension was made in Boonsboro. Also, in 1937-38, Hagerstown was pivotal in the formation of the Martinsburg, WV chapter.

In 1940, Hagerstown along with five other chapters, formed an organization which became known as the Maryland State Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Jaycees of Hagerstown are members of the Maryland Jaycees and the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. The Jaycees of Hagerstown won the prestigious Giessenbier Award five consecutive years from 1946-51. The Chapter also won Blue Chip Awards in 1973 and 1997.

Five Jaycees from Hagerstown went on to become the President of the Maryland Jaycees: C. Vernon Stone Jr., Roland Hebb, Rob McCoy, Harry Vollmer, III and George Snyder.

Fifteen Jaycees of Hagerstown are members of the Maryland Militia, the highest honor awarded at the state level: Claude Merkie, Larry Powell, Lou Scally, Joe Byers, Dennis Grove, Harold Chaney, David Gardner, V. Jay Crouse, Sam Young, Marilyn Young, Ed Lough, Rob McCoy, Letha Grimes, Jim Kercheval and Scott Fessler.

Eleven Jaycees from Hagerstown are members of the JCI Senate. JCI Senators are those who have shown outstanding performance at the local, national or international level. They are: Lee Strine, Connie Nakopoulos, John Givens, Sam Young, Terry Wakenight, Bob Barnhart, David Gardner, George Snyder, Paul Muldowney, Marilyn Young, and Letha Grimes.

Hagerstown has three Ambassadors, the Jaycees highest honor presented by the U.S Junior Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service at the local, state and national levels. They are William Wright, Mike Gardner, and Terry Wakenight.

The accomplishment of our members have been great. The Jaycees of Hagerstown will continue to produce outstanding leaders as we rebuild the tradition.