Hues of Boys & Girls Club blue shinned across exposed brick while laughter, tears and heartfelt gratitude could be heard from the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Doors to great Futures Donor, Volunteer and Youth of the Year awards dinner.
Guests in attendance gathered to celebrate and honor community members for their commitment to BGCNCG’s mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. An added experience for the evening for guests was witnessing the announcement of the 2019 Youth of the Year winner, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club member Destiny McClendon, who will now compete in the state level competition in March 2020.
Guests were greeted by the 2020 Youth of the Year Candidates from each Club.
Hosts for the evening Bob Mackey, CEO & President of BGCNCG and Karen Robertson, Sr. Executive Director for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club kicked off the evening by introducing guest musician and speaker, Damien Horne.
Horne, a Boys & Girls Club alumnus and national recording artist, shared his story and talents with guests throughout the night crediting the Boys & Girls Club as the reason “he’s here today” able to bring joy through his music.
Throughout the evening, the 2019 Youth of the Year candidates shared their speeches in between awards.
Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Angelica Bostwick, shared how the Club offered her experiences during College trips that showcased her future possibilities.
“I was able to visit a historical black college for the first time during our college tours and it was an amazing feeling to see the potential ahead of me,” she shared. “The Club inspires me to dream big and remember my community in the process.”
Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Ashton Brannon shared his love for Club staff and programming that’s helping him learn what it takes to be successful.
“Mrs. Karen has taught me to be successful I have to want to better myself,” Brannon shared. Through programs, field trips, and mentorship I feel like anything is possible for me.”
Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Destiny McClendon, shared how the Club rallied around her during her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. “This Club has taught me about leadership, perseverance, and resilience. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer the Club was there for me.”
Newton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Miracle Gospel spoke about the Club’s positive impact on her life during difficult losses. “The Club’s Smart Girls program gave me a safe space to share what I was going through after the loss of my cousins. My Club director, Ms. Nakita, made sure to check in on me every day at the Club. I feel like I finally have a safe place to me.”
Throughout inspiring speeches and empowering music, community members were honored for their commitment to the movement.
This year’s local award recipients from the organizations four Clubs are:
Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club Awards:
Business Partner of the Year – Paschal Orthodontics
The Babs Johnston Award – David Burbach
Volunteer of the Year – Karen Peters
Karen Peters, far left, with her Volunteer of the Year award.
Board Member of the Year Local Award - Ashley Hunt
Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Awards:
Business Partner of the Year – Novelis, Inc.
The Kara Latz Award - Lake Oconee Academy Tumbling Squad
Kara Latz, far right, and PNBGC chart, Mike O’Neal, second from right, award the Lake Oconee Academy Tumbling Squad the Kara Latz Award.
Volunteer of the Year – Lynda Maresca
Lynda Maresca, far right, accepts her Volunteer of the Year award.
Board Member of the Year for the local level – Kara Latz
Walton County Boys & Girls Club:
Business Partner of the Year – (Not Pictured) Kimberly Locklin, Exceptional Community Services, LLC
Volunteer of the Year – Drew Petkoff
Board Member of the Year for the local level – Marsha Queen
Newton County Boys & Girls Club:
Volunteer of the Year – Jeff Benson
Board Member of the Year for the local level – Sandy & Betsy Morehouse
Corporate Awards:
Board Member of the Year
Kara Latz serves as secretary of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club’s board and is involved in numerous activities that benefit Club members.
“Kara negotiated a station at the Oconee Cellars for Duck Derby ticket sales and was persistent in selling tickets there on many weekends leading up to our big Duck Derby event,” Bob Mackey said. “She also has worked tirelessly to increase the Club’s volunteerism.”
Business Partner of the Year
“Dr. Paschal continues to be a beacon of support for our Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club,” Mackey shared. “We are so grateful for continued partnership with Paschal Orthodontics and for their vision to see that together are changing lives.”
Volunteer of the Year
“Drew brought lacrosse to our Walton County Boys & Girls Club and through this exciting sport, our Club boys have learned what perseverance is all about,” Mackey said. “This year their team is undefeated.”
Lifetime Movement Award
Tony McCullar serves as co-treasurer for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club and treasure for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.
“The last ten years have been full of fun,” McCullar shared adding the work the community does together had and continues to change lives.
During the awards, the Youth of the Year Candidates were invited to the stage to learn who won the 2020 Regional Youth of the Year for BGCNCG.
As the winner’s banner was being raised, the room fell silent and then erupted with cheers as Destiny McClendon of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Clubs was named the regional winner. McClendon’s parents spoke on her behalf as she was competing in a basketball game that evening. Filled with tears, they both shared that “Destiny would have voiced you’re all winners and how grateful she is to have this Club be a part of her life.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia provides club experiences in Madison, Greene, Lamar, and Newton Counties. BGCNCG looks to open its newest location, Barnesville-Lamar County January of 2020.
BGCNCG’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.
For more information or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034.
