Walton County Boys & Girls Club staff recently surprised their Club Seniors with balloons, personalized yard signs, and lots of cheering.
WCBGC Seniors Angelic Bostwick, Yasmine Collins, and Derricka Kelly were all three shocked to see familiar faces show up at their homes to celebrate their recent graduation.
“Our recent graduates were beaming to receive these gifts from their Club,” Kathy Ivie, WCBGC Board Chair shared. “It was so vital to us to make sure they received this celebration because they’ve had to go through so much this year, and I feel like they were cheated out of their moment because of the times we’re experiencing right now. It was so great to see our Club rally behind them and celebrate their accomplishment of graduating.”
Each youth shared the Club’s meaning during their socially distance surprise.
Angelic Bostwick shared that the Club has always offered her a place of support throughout the years.
“I never saw this coming,” Bostwick shared. “I can never thank the Boys & Girls Club of Walton County enough for all of the support and help they’ve provided me throughout all of my years in attending the Club.”
Yasmine Collins shared that with her senior year being cut short because of COVID-19 this was the celebration she needed.
“I am so happy to have been a part of a great group of people such as the Boys & Girls Club,” she said. “You all have really taken me in, and it’s really been a blessing, even in crazy times when we don’t understand all of the craziness that is going on the world today.”
Derricka Kelly, a member for her entire childhood, shared how the Club has offered a place of refuge and growth.
“You all have been for me, even when I was very young,” she said. “That means a lot to me. I feel like I am ready to move on in life with confidence, but I’ll never forget the Boys & Girls Club.”
WCBGC Teen Director, Antonio Dillard, surprised each youth with their gifts and was moved by their reactions.
“Ihad to be a part of this celebration because I have seen them work hard and continue to push forward during these uncertain times,” he shared. “I’m just so proud of them and excited to see how their future develops.
Each WCBGC Senior will be attending college this year. They were also recently inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni and Friends program as alumnus of MMCBGC.
“Once a Club Kid, always a Club kid is a promise to our youth that we will always be a home for them,” Dillard shared. “We’re here to ensure their success for life.”
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-267-8033.