A Carbon County freshman is an afterschool champion.

Last week, Trevor Keefer, a Carbon Career & Technical Institute student, was honored by the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network during the group's annual conference in Harrisburg.Keefer was one of 20 state residents honored as afterschool champions for their dedication to afterschool programming."It was awesome," Keefer said of the experience. "It was an honor getting honored by Rep. Doyle Heffley and Sen. John Yudichak. It felt great and it will look good on applications."He said he has been involved in the SHINE Carbon County Middle School Career Academy for the past three years as a middle school student.During his time there, he participated in projects in molecular gastronomy, race car building, cooking, the construction of a DUI checkpoint trailer and more."SHINE was a great opportunity for me," Keefer said. "It really opened my eyes as to what jobs are out there."Rachel Strucko, who has overseen the Career Academy for the past five years and who recently took over as the director of the Lehigh Carbon Community College SHINE Afterschool Program, said it was an honor to have one of the students recognized."We are super excited that such a young individual has become such a strong advocate for afterschool programs," she said."It really shows the impact on what afterschool has had on his life."Keefer was nominated for the award by former SHINE director Jeanne Miller.PSAYDN's Afterschool Champion awards are held annually and recognize youths, organizations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding work in developing, supporting and promoting meaningful afterschool programs that benefit children and families.