PNBGC Names Youth of the Month for November

For Club members at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month youth are recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of November, PNBGC named Gabriel Allen for our Youth of the Month and MJ Peaks for our Junior Youth of the Month.

“Gabriel Allen is extremely humble. He comes into the club everyday eagerly ready to work,” Program Coordinator, Diedra Richbow, shared. “He is an absolute pleasure to work with and he doesn’t mind helping others. MJ Peaks comes in the Club every day with a smile on his face. He is always willing to brighten up anyone's day with a joke. MJ has been a Club member for a short period of time but does not mind helping staff or fellow Club members.

“I am so very proud of our youth of the month members as we are starting to really focus on developing their talents and abilities to help the be the best they can be in and out of the Club. Gabriel is truly a remarkable young man with excellent behavior manners and attitude,” Stacy McClendon, PNCBGC Director, shared. “I am beyond proud of his improvement particularly with his homework. There is nothing he cannot achieve if he continues to grow in the Club, at home and in school.”

Youth Development Professional, Destiny McClendon, shared that MJ is always offering a helping hand. 

“MJ is always engaged in the programs that are being taught to the Club members, McClendon shared. “He continues to stay locked into growing as a person and a club member to be the best that he can while being a good student.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.  

Duck Derby Race Set for June 27

Watch Duck Derby Live June 27 at 9 AM On Facebook Live at @BGCNCG

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Duck Derby will soon release 6,000 rubber ducks on the Yellow River in Porterdale for a $10,000 grand prize finish line. This year the organization’s event will be virtual and can be viewed live June 27 at 9 AM on BGCNCG’s Facebook page at @BGCNCG. 

“During these unprecedented times, supporting Duck Derby ensures that the youth who need us most continue to receive our support and care,” Bob Mackey, President and CEO shared. “Duck Derby supports not only our summer programming, but also our daily operations within our Clubs. With your community support we’re able to continue world class programming and implement new programming for the 2020-2021 calendar year.”

Josephine Kelly, Development Director for Porterdale shares her excitement for Duck Derby is all about the cause.

“Duck Derby is such a creative way of raising funds for an important cause, allowing the young people of the community to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The City of Porterdale is thrilled to be part of the third Duck Derby,”she said.

Kelly said Porterdale is eagerly awaiting watching the race live June 27.

If you’re searching for a lucky duck, you don’t have to look far. Supporters can purchase a duck for $20 at www.bgcncg.com/duckderby. 

“For every $20 duck an individual adopts, participants not only increase odds of winning our $10,000 grand prize, they also help BGCNCG continue to offer the youth who need us the most quality and life-changing programming,” Mackey added.

There are three other great prizes to be won at this year’s Duck Derby alongside the $10,000 grand prize.  Those prizes are a golf package for The Oaks Golf Course in Conyers, an Atlanta skyline helicopter ride and an ipad package. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Morgan, Greene, Newton, Walton, and Lamar counties.  

If you’d like to learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Duck Derby, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

BGCNCG Receives Generous COVID-19 Grant Funding

Youth are working on in-home science/stem projects during COVID 19.

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently received a grant from the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Funding for the grant was provided in partnership between the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta. 

Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, said the grant will be utilized for BGCNCG’s general operating to support virtual programming like STEM, outdoor activities, reading and craft activities, as well as provide learning kits. 

“This partnership with the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will allow us to continue serve the youth who need us most,” Mackey shared. “This funding will help provide the essential tools and resources we need to bring brighter futures to our youth. With community financial support such as this grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta we will indeed get through this together. We are grateful to have this funding and utilize it to help us continue to adapt during these unprecedented times to continue to serve the families and youth who need us now more than ever.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Greene, Morgan, Walton, Lamar, and Newton Counties. 

To learn more about BGCNCG, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

Virtual Senior Celebration Honors Graduates

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia did not let the current state of our world stop the organization from celebrating their 2020 graduates. On a recent Zoom call, BGCNCG hosted its first ever virtual Senior Celebration.  Seniors dawned their Club royal blue caps and gowns as parents, Club board members and community members gathered virtually to celebrate their accomplishments. And for this graduating class their Club time is uniquely special. 

“The Boys & Girls Club has been very influential to me. It has been a support system, a community and an inspiration,” Ricquaria Griggs, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Senior, shared. “The Club is where I did my very first community project and inspired me for my future endeavors. When I first got accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition, but the Boys & Girls Club stepped in and introduced me to various scholarship opportunities. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Thank you to the PNBGC!”

For Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Senior Ar’mond Wright, the Club has been his home since it first opened.

“The Boys & Girls Club is one of the places I like to call home. The Club has helped me fulfill my hopes, promises and dreams,” Wright shared. “The Club has been with me my whole life since it opened in Madison. The Club has helped me pursue my passions and helped me discover the characteristics of myself that I thought I would never know and for that I am grateful.”

Each Senior shared a message of how the Club changed their life. 

“This is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I look at the Boys & Girls Club as a big happy family and a helping hand in the community. When I come into the Club, I feel safe and accepted and here I’ve learned the ins and outs of honesty and positivity,” DJ Wright shared. “The Club is a place where any kid can come and truly find themselves while being able to dream big with staff that are willing to help along the way. I’m so grateful for my Club.”

Angelica Bostwick, Walton County Boys & Girls Club 2020 Youth of the Year and a Club Senior, concluded the senior moment with this reflection, “the Boys & Girls Club helped me gain more courage than I had before and I don’t know what I would have done without the Club.”

Seniors then heard a special message from London Reeves the director of Alumni Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America before being inducted as BGCA Alumni & Friends Club members. 

Club youth participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Oath.

“I heard from Seniors words like, “community, family, exploration, and encouragement,” Reeves shared. “Once a Club kid always a Club kid and as you make this transition to becoming Alumni you are joining a host of celebrities, CEO’s and your fellow Club staff as alumnus.”

Reeves shared an inspiring word around potential for each Senior’s future. 

“Your class is like no class before you. Always do your best and know your best will vary from day-to-day. It is my hope and belief that you can do anything. I invite each of you to own all of who you are, all of your greatness, to walk truly in your purpose and know you can always return home,” Reeves shared. “Once a Club kid, always a Club kid!”

To close the Senior Celebration, Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG shared these remarks, “We thank you for not giving up. We thank you for being a role model for those who came before you and will follow after. You have already inspired the next generation. Ten years from now you’ll regret most the things you didn’t do, and we want you to set out to do it all. We congratulate you and we want all of you to make a mark and make a difference.” 

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves the communities of Greene, Morgan, Walton, Newton and Lamar Counties. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

PNC announced Feb Youths of the Month

For Club members at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of February, PNBGC named Ethan Brinkley as Youth of the Month and Markecia Reid as Junior Youth of the Month. 

“Ethan is outgoing and is always smiling when he enters the Club,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “He is one bright kid and the first to pull out homework during Power Hour time in his group. He really brings joy to the club with his positive attitude.”

Richbow shared that Markecia Reid is an amazing teen who’s “always willing to help whenever needed.” 

“She’s extremely smart and she recently won first place in her Science Project at Carson Middle School,” she continued. “We are super excited about her accomplishments at school and also the role she plays as a member here at Pete Nance.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Community member donates Winter coats to PNBGC

Community member Bill Lewis and volunteers delivered warm coats to the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently. 

“We were very blessed to have received such wonderful coats from Mr. Lewis and volunteers,” Stacy McClendon, PNCBG Director shared. “Watching our Club members light up as they got to pick out a new coat was such a rewarding moment. Thank you, Mr. Lewis!”

For Club member Kalil Dorsey, the new coat was a blessing to receive. 

“I loved being able to pick out the color and type of jacket I wanted from the donation Mr. Lewis brought,” he shared. “I want to Thank Mr. Bill and the volunteers for my coat because it is very necessary for this weather because it is very warm.”

Each Club member had an opportunity to choose and claim a new winter jacket.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club or donate items, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 770-267-8033.                                       

PNC Hosts Annual Blood Drive

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club youth recently organized another successful blood drive. Club youth utilized leadership skills they’ve been cultivating to organize the event with the American Red Cross. 

“The blood drive has been an initiative that youth have collaborated on since 2016 and continue to enjoy organizing for the community,” Nerocus Peaks, PNBGC Teen Director shared. “We had a lot of community members come in ready to save lives with their blood donations and eager to interact with our youth.”

Club members wrapped presents for blood donors and helped guide donors to the correct station for donation. 

“It was a pleasure to watch as our teens and pre-teens made every donor feel special for their act of kindness and to hear community members compliment the youth for their hard efforts was the cherry on top,” Peaks said. 

This year’s event was organized by teen Club member Arkiyus Wright, who alongside his Club members exceeded their goal of 25 donors.

“Running a Blood Drive will give you an opportunity to work on your leadership skills,” Wright shared. “You develop hospitality skills as you make phone calls encouraging individuals to donate blood and explaining why it’s so important to give blood. Every person that came and gave blood saved a life.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

McCullar Given Lifetime Movement Award

Tony McCullar is dedicated to the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. A crucial member in the organization’s creation, McCullar has spent the past 10 years ensuring Club youth have a safe place to become productive, caring and responsible citizens. Recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia highlighted and celebrated McCullar’s commitment by giving him the Lifetime Movement Award. 

When McCullar heard his named called at BGCNCG’s Donor, Volunteer, and Youth of the Year Awards he was at first surprised and then full of gratitude.

“I’m just so grateful to have this opportunity to help build the North Central Georgia organization from one Club to the five Clubs that serve our youth today,” he shared. “Throughout my years of service to Boys & Girls Clubs, I’ve seen this truth – we provide a safe place with structure and educational opportunities for youth. I’m blessed to have been a part of it.”

Currently, McCullar serves as treasure for BGCNCG’s corporate board and serves as the co-treasurer for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls.

For him what keeps him inspired to give his time and talents to the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is every youth served. 

“Every time I walk into a Club and see the youth participating and learning alongside our talented and dedicated staff – I am inspired,” he shared. “I encourage those curious about the movement to visit a Club soon.”

McCullar looks forward to BGCNCG’s 2020 horizon, as the organization sets to open a new Club in Barnesville, Georgia. Above all else, McCullar keeps in his personal horizon just how much fun this work is and how important it is to future generations. 

“The last ten years have been full of fun,” McCullar shared adding the work the community does together makes lasting impacts and continues to change lives. 

BGCNCG's Lifetime Movement award is given to a board member who models the epitome of the Boys & Girls Club mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

“Tony McCullar has given immeasurable personal resources and talents to ensure BGCNCG continues to make lasting impacts for our youth,” Bob Mackey, CEO & President shared. “He is an example of the endless possibilities that become available to our youth when the community works together.”

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034. 

Kara Latz named Board Member of Year for BGCNCG

Committed to Greene County Youth  

Kara Latz believes in the future of Greene County’s youth and showcases that belief in her efforts to sew in her time, talents, and treasures at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club. 

For Latz the power of PNBGC is within the truth that the Club doesn’t serve as a “band-aid fix” for youth. 

“We aim to the break the cycle of poverty,” she shared. “Once a Club kid, always a Club kid means that we are with you, even when you venture out into the workforce or college – we are here to walk alongside you and provide what you might need to advance in life.”

Latz’ belief in youths having a better tomorrow can be seen in her work ethic to be the bridge for youth and that’s why Latz is this year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Board Member of the Year. Latz recently received the award at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Donor, Volunteer, Youth of the Year awards dinner.

“BGCNCG's Board Member of the Year award is given to a board member who gives relentlessly of their time, treasure and talents to ensure our Club youth continue to have enriching experiences,” Bob Mackey, CEO & President for BGCNCG shared. “Kara Latz is an example of selflessness and the magic that can happen when our communities rally behind our youth.”

The community member selected for this award often puts in time, treasure, and their talents to create meaningful experiences, top notch fundraisers, and helps ensure the board always has guiding direction. 

“Kara Latz has been that over her time of volunteering and being a board member for the local PNBGC board,” Mackey added.

A highlight moment and example of the giving nature of Latz is in the exchange she had with an Alumnus of PNBGC reaching out to help another Club alumnus obtain his college education. 

For Latz helping youth bridge the gap isn’t costly. It may take time, but its time needed.

“A PNBGC Club alumnus had been attempting to enroll at Georgia Gwinnett College for two years and was unsuccessful due to paperwork not matching up from his enrichment summer program at Yale,” Latz shared. “This Club alumnus is a special young man. In fact, he had a student from Lake Oconee Academy raise funds so he could attend this enrichment summer program at Yale. The disconnect was he needed help communicating his needs, as GCC wasn’t listening to his explanation of the program from Yale not having a transcript.”

Through the network of Club Alumnus, this young man’s issue was brought to Latz attention and she was able to advocate on his behalf. 

“I collected a few details from this Club member and made phone calls to Yale, as well as GGC. Devoting just an hour of my time in making phone calls and sending emails, in 24 hours, he received the documentation from Yale to send to GGC to show that this was not a graded college program but rather an enrichment program that only came with a certificate of completion. Barrier lifted,” she shared. “After 1-2 years of just a misunderstanding from the college, he can now anticipate a much delayed and deserved acceptance letter from GGC.”

For Latz this act is just one example of the way’s community members can make tangible differences in youths lives today.

“I’m grateful for this award and for being recognized by this organization and my hope is that other women in my circle will get involved,” she shared. “We have so much talent in Greene County and I would like the Boys & Girls Club volunteer pool to expand and to include more mothers. We need caring women to help our Club children navigate the trials and tribulations of becoming a pre-teen/teen. We can all recall the insecurities and lack of confidence. I want our Club kids to be healthy, inside and out.”

BGCNCG’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.

If interested in volunteering for a Boys & Girls Club, please visit www.bgcncg.comor call770-267-8034. 

Doors To Great Futures Awards Honor Community

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

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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. 

PNBGC welcomes Nerocus Peaks as its Teen Center director

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently welcomed Nerocus Peaks as its Teen Center director. Peaks brings his knowledge of working with youth from the Greene County Recreation Center to the Club.

“I’m so excited to be working with the youth of PNBGC and bringing my youth development mindset to the youth of the Club,” Peaks shared. 

Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Club director, shared that Peaks will be responsible for a variety of roles around the Club including leading all of the teen programming such as, Keystone and Torch Club.

“The Pete Nance Staff has an amazing addition to our Club in Mr. Peaks,” McClendon shared. “We wish him great success in this organization while continuing to strive for greatness through and with our kids and our community.”

Teen member Arkiyus Wright shared, “Mr. Peaks is always there when you need him, and he pushes me to do my best in school and in my community.”

Fellow Club member, Kimora McCommons, echoed Wright’s comments about Mr. Peaks.

“Being at the Club with Mr. Nerocus Peaks has taught me how to be independent. He also taught me to treat others how I want to be treated,” she shared. “Mr. Peaks keep me motivated and determined to do what I truly desire to do.”

McClendon added the Club is open to visitors and community members who may be interested in volunteering – or just meeting the newest member of the team. 

“There’s always something great happening in the Club,” he added. “Come see for yourself!”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

PNBGC Cheerleaders Have A Blast

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently partnered with Lake Oconee Academy Cheerleaders to create the PNBGC Cheerleading Program.

“The LOA Cheerleaders take time out of their busy day to work with our members on different flips and handstands, and they are great mentors for our youth,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Club Director, shared. “Our members are becoming fearless and enjoying practicing their cheers alongside LOA’s cheerleaders.”

PNBGC member Derianha Seals shared she “really enjoys cheerleading” because her and her peers get to make their very own pom poms and learn how to do some amazing back handsprings.

“I got so excited on Monday when the cheerleaders come because I get the chance to work on my cartwheel and my back walkovers,” shared Skyy Hall, a PNBGC member.

McClendon shared that the youth have blossomed out of their shells thanks to the LOA cheerleaders and their generous volunteerism.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call706-920-1400.

Moonlight & Motown Boogies into Night

Watch Our Highlight Video & Hear from this year’s Youth of the Year

Motown music echoed onto Lake Oconee from Pete Nance Boys & Girls Clubs Moonlight & Motown fundraiser recently where community members gathered to boogie for a good cause – the youth. 

Dazzled in white and blue sequenced suits The Sounds of Motown took guests to the iconic era of Motown throughout the night. 

Aside from dancing, a highlight moment for many gathered was hearing from Destiny McClendon, this year’s PNBGC Youth of the Year, as well as, Quanderious Briscoe, who was Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s 2018 Youth of the Year and Youth of the Year State Runner Up. 

 Club Director Stacy McClendon shared just how impactful those moments were to him. 

 “Both youths worked together to really inspire the audience with their amazing stories regarding their wonderful experiences at the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club,” he shared. “Destiny brought everyone to the edge of their seat with her compelling speech. There didn’t seem to be a dry eye in the building, as she left guests captivated and inspired. Quanderious Briscoe was very humorous and delighted the audience as he shared how much the Club helped him over the years and guided him to be the young man he is today.”

For Brad Parr, BGCNCG Director of Operations, watching these youth share the stage to give heartfelt speeches is what BGCNCG is all about. 

“Having two members support and encourage each other is really motivating and moving to me. My main message in coaching the Youth of the Year Candidates is your story is unique and it is important to share with others and this part of Moonlight & Motown is always my favorite, as our community gets to take part in hearing their stories.”

Guests shared often with McClendon how excited they were for PNBGC future and the present impact their programs are making in the youths’ lives. 

“I received lots of great feedback from numerous guests stating how thankful they were for all of our efforts to help our community to be stronger by educating and spending quality time with the children at our Club,” he shared. “I received amazing comments on the Youth of the Year speeches and their professionalism and inspiration to their community. All of these comments made me very proud of the Destiny and Briscoe for going above and beyond to help and guide others on their journey towards being the best they can be at the Club. This is what we are about – changing lives one child at a time.”

Millicent Zamirowski, event chair for Moonlight & Motown, shared her appreciation for the community’s support. 

“The Community's financial support means so much to our Club and ultimately the youth we serve. Because of this support we get to continue providing educational enrichment opportunities, as well as character development. Our attendees are Investors in the future of our Club members. They caught a glimpse of the dividends for their investments in Destiny & Quanderious,” she shared, adding immense gratitude to her team which helped put the event together and all those who donated items for the silent auction and provided sponsorships to make Moonlight & Motown a success.

If you’d like to learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenanceor call 706-920-1400.

Novelis hosts Thursday Dinner for PNBGC

Novelis, Inc. held a special Thursday Dinner for Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members recently. Several employees from Novelis team participated in serving the youth during their sponsored dinner night. 

PNBGC teen members also assisted with serving younger Club members. They helped organize the event alongside Novelis in ensuring he event ran smoothly and everyone was served on time. 

“The younger club members gave the teens a strong clap and a handshake to let them know they appreciated their efforts and emphasis on service,” PNBGC Director, Stacy McClendon, shared. 

McClendon shared Thursday dinners allow Club members to learn about healthy eating habits, as well as fellowship with community members. 

Teen member, TreVeon Jackson, shared he “loved helping with Spaghetti Dinner.”

“Not only am I helping the staff, but I’m also helping with the Club members and they look up to me as a great role model,” he added. 

For Ariana Ross, another Teen member, she loves being able to use her leadership skills.

“I get the chance to use my leadership skills by going and getting members and bringing them over to seat them for their meal,” she shared. 

McClendon added that the evening is spent with happy faces and lots of laughter.

“It was a pleasure to work with the teens on service and hospitality,” he shared. “They learned a great deal and performed very well. I was particularly impressed with their enthusiasm to serve and provide excellent service to their fellow members.”

All in all, McClendon added that service events like this done happen without the help of the community. 

“Thank you to Jim Borland, Novelis, Inc., and our Teen Center Club members for making this event very memorable,” he said. 

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

PNC members learn about gaming software

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently heard about careers in online and console gaming from Josh Grier, Chief Operating Officer of Ember Lab. He reviewed the "pillars" required to make a quality and engaging story and he showed club members using the library monitor screen how advanced development tools are used to make console games. Grier encouraged club members to start their education for game art, design and programming by downloading free resources tools online and studying YouTube tutorials. “We’re so grateful for Mr. Grier sharing with our youth new and exciting job opportunities for their future,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Club Director, shared. For more information about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.