YOY Candidates receive Shopping trip
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Youth of the Year candidates from each Club spent a day in Athens recently shopping for professional attire clothing to prepare them for their competition in November.
“The students were given the opportunity to select blazers as an award for their hard work and dedication to the Youth of the Year program,” Brad Parr, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Director and YOY program coordinator said. “As a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia Youth of the Year Program, each candidate and ambassador learns about appearance.”
Walking through the men’s section, Ronny Monford, Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year candidate, listened intently as BGCNCG corporate board member Mike Conrad explains the traditional fit of a blazer.
He places a jacket on – traditional blue – and instantly feels ten inches taller. Monford beaming says, “I feel so great. This is such a great feeling.”
Downstairs in the women’s department, Ricquaria Griggs, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year candidate, is having a similar experience. She’s found a navy-blue blazer with white trim that fits just right.
“Not only is the experience preparing me to be more successful, it’s teaching me the importance of dressing the part,” she shared.
Back upstairs in the men’s section, Ar’Mond Wright, Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year candidate, is walking out to a cheering section of his peers as he shows off his new look. With a smile from cheek to cheek, he shares “this is the best I’ve ever felt.”
Bob Mackey, BGCNCG CEO & President, knows the power of tie and a blazer for these youth.
“It’s empowering to look how you feel on the inside,” he said. “For many youth, they’ve been told their voice is invalid and given a destination of where they will end up before the start. Youth of the Year breaks that glass ceiling for our youth and encourages them to know their voice, use their voice and become leaders in their community.”
As a result of the three candidates dedication to the Youth of the Year program, all 3 candidates have been awarded a brand new Dell laptop, blazerand full suit or formal dress for the BGCNCG Youth of the Year Nov. 27 competition.
After the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia names their winner, that candidatewill compete at the Georgia Youth of the Year Program where over 30 Boys & Girls Clubs members will compete for the title of the State Youth of the Year Winner, resulting in thousands of dollars in college scholarship funding.
If you would like to learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year Program, visit https://www.bgca.org/programs/character-leadership/youth-of-the-year.
If you’d like to learn more about BGCNCG, visit www.bgcncg.comor call us at 770-267-8034.
