Inside of the Methodist Church in Madison, 29 Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia graduating seniors heard messages of encouragement and passed the torch of their Club experience to younger generations in attendance.
This BGCNCG graduating class symbolizes a lot for the organization, as this year it will be seeing off 100 percent of its graduates from High Schools in Greene, Morgan and Walton Counties.
BGCNCG awarded the seniors over $10,000 in scholarship monies to fund their continued education.
Bob Mackey, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, couldn’t be more proud of the senior graduating class of BGCNCG.
“Every graduate has post-secondary education plans, whether that’s entering the work force after graduation or the military,” he said. “ This is an incredible accomplishment for these youth, as they have rose to the challenge to become productive, caring citizens in their communities. We will continue to be a part of their lives through our Club Alumni program."
Surrounded by community, family and friends, seniors heard remarks from former Club members.
Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Alumni, Diondra Burgess reminded seniors to uphold the morals of the Club – to demonstrate good character and citizenship, to be productive, caring and live a healthy lifestyle.
“I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without the Club. Never ever forget the people who have invested in you,” she encouraged.
For Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Director for Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club, the senior celebration had an even more personal touch. Her daughter, Morgan, is a Club member and a graduating senior this year.
“To watch Morgan pass the torch to our younger Club members was a touching moment for me,” she shared. “All of my Club youth have a special place in my heart and I’m so incredibly proud of each one of them for their accomplishments and eagerness to continue upholding the Club’s values outside of our blue doors.”
Brad Parr, Pete Nance Club Director, said sharing the senior celebration with the community allowed the send off of the graduating seniors to be even more special.
"Senior celebration was a great experience our graduating seniors pass the torch to our younger members to illustrate teaching the younger generations to make the most out of the Club experience," he shared.
Passing of the Torch ceremony allows graduating seniors to see the younger generation looking up at them as role models and potential mentors. It is a reminder of where they came from and the responsibility to give back to the youth before them.
Monica Trimble, Senior Executive Walton County Boys & Girls Club director was moved by the Club Alumni pinning ceremony.
“Parents got to participate by pinning on their child the Club alumni pin and share a moment with their children I know they will never forget,” she shared. “Watching my teens light up as they received their pin was truly a great moment for me as their Club director.”
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com or call 770-267-8034.
