WCBGC Members Visit Tallulah Falls

The Girls Scouts of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club recently visited Tallulah Falls with the annual Athens Girls Scout Retreat. In partnership with Girls Scouts of Georgia, the SMART Girls met with other troops throughout the state of Georgia in a weekend event filled with fun, laughter and fellowship. 

The girls spent the weekend participating in several different team building exercises and outdoor skill such as rope walking, log drills, canoeing and other activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and networking.  The girls also learned the basics of retiring a flag.  

 “I learned to do some things that I never knew before,” Aubrey Allen, WCBGC member shared. “It was so fun to learn new skills and meet so many new friends.”

Club Director Lynn E. Hill shared how impactful the event is for Club youth.

“This event held in north Georgia, was important for these girls of the Walton County Club because of the life lessons that were taught during the course of the event,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “The girls could take away lessons on the importance of teamwork, hard work, and understanding nature. I am so glad to know these virtues are included in a weekend field trip that they truly enjoyed.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Celebrates its Seniors

Walton County Boys & Girls Club celebrated four of its seniors graduating. Among the graduating seniors was Club Director Lynn E. Hill’s son, Jared. 

Jared has been a member of the WCBGC for 12 years and is excited to enter into the Club Alumni program. 

“I have come to realize through the Boys & Girls Club that being an alumni now gives me the opportunity to be a spokesperson for the Club and what is called the Movement,” Jared shared. “The Boys & Girls Club has been everything for me. I have truly learned that ‘Great Futures really do start here.’”

For Lynn Hill he couldn’t be prouder of his son.

“I am so proud of my son Jared! I have literally watched him maneuver through the Boys & Girls Club as a Club Member, and as a parent. I witnessed how youth can be nurtured through a program and the effects that positive energy can have on a child developing through watching my own son progress through the Movement,” he shard. “He is now an alumni, and I know that the afterschool program and summer Camp works for our kids who need us the most, because I was engaged in the process with him for his duration as a life-long member of the Boys & Girls Club.

Hill shared he’s thrilled to see where each WCBGC graduate goes in their future. 

“Each Club member knows that they have a home here at our Club,” he added. 

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Names June Youth of the Month



Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month isJocelyn Ferguson.

Ferguson has been a member of the Club for three years.

“I want to thank everyone at the Club for helping me feel better about myself,” Ferguson shared. “I am a part of something that makes me feel really special and the staff here help me become something great!”

Ferguson was selected for her positive attitude and willingness to learn the Boys & Girls Club motto, as well as becoming a leader in her Club. 

“Jocelyn makes volunteering really special for me at the Boys & Girls Club,” Ms. Tranteegus Allen, Director and volunteer of Desflo, Inc., shared. “Jocelyn proves what potential a member has when they are supported and given the tools for success. She is never a youth who will shy away from challenges, and her energy is explosive.  She has all the right tools needed to build a character that will make her great, and I’m that she will always remember her humble beginnings her at the Boys & Girls Club.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s seen a change in “Jocelyn’s behavior.”

“Her parents have commented on several occasions on the improvement in her attitude and behavior, and they have given much credit to the efforts of character development and leadership offered by the Club,” he shared. “I’ve noticed that Jocelyn strives really hard to accomplish things at the Club, and that is a wonderful thing because she will use that same type of energy to accomplish much of her goals in her life.  She is a real go-getter. Jocelyn truly deserves this honor, for she has earned through her interest in the Youth of the Month, and the overall programs offered to her at the Club. “

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Memorial Day 5K full of spirit

On May 25 Walton County Boys & Girls Club hosted its annual Memorial Day Weekend 5k, which benefits the Club’s Summer Programming. To learn more about WCBGC visit, wwwbgcncg.com or call 770-207-6279.

PNBGC Names Youth of the Month for June

Aaron Smith

Andrew Smith

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 June, PNBGC named Aaron Smith and his brother Andrew Smith as Youths of the Month.

“I have watched Aaron and Andrew grow from being two shy twin boys who would only communicate with one another into these outgoing kids with a sparky personality,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “They are very involved in the Club.”

Aaron shared that his favorite program is working in the Novelis Lab on STEM projects. 

“I like the Novelis Lab because Ms. Ardra helps me with homework and allows us to do math problems on the board,” he shared. “I’ve been learning this year that it’s ok to be myself, always.”

PNBGC Youth Development Professional, Ms Ardra, echoed Aaron’s enthusiasm. 

“He’s always willing to go the extra mile on the drop of a dime,” she shared. 

His brother Andrew also favors the Novelis Lab. 

“It’s fun going into the lab and working on new projects,” he shared. “This year my most impactful moment has been reading with the K9 Angels. They helped me with my Milestones testing and to become more confident in reading.”

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

Volunteering at PNBGC enriches community

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club volunteer Jim Borland sees the Club as a place to give back for a positive return in the lives of the youth. After retiring from 35 years of work, Jim was ready to volunteer with youth and he knew exactly where he wanted to give his time and treasures. 

“Seeing a difference in the kids who attend the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club versus the kids who don’t attend really opens your eyes to the kind of difference that’s being made here at the Club,” Jim shared. “You can tell the Club is changing the lives of these youth daily.”

When asked about an impactful moment to choose from Borland shared how much he’s enjoyed helping during PNBGC Thursday Night Dinner Program. 

“Watching these youth enjoy each other’s company and have a good meal warms your heart,” he shared. 

Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director, shared “Mr. Jim has done an amazing job of bringing new meal ideas that allow our youth to stay excited and engaged during our Thursday Dinners.”

“Our volunteers are so kind and humble; they love working with the Club members and it shows in these actions and behavior,” McClendon shared. “Jim is one of those volunteers. I believe it takes someone special to volunteer and spend time with our youth, to listen and share guidance.”

Volunteering at the Club, for Jim, isn’t about what he will receive but “how much I can give.”

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

PNBGC Lend Helping Hands to Atlas Ministry

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members took a field trip to Atlas Ministry recently to lend a helping hand. 

“Club members assisted volunteers by creating and helping put together packets for Atlas’ PAT Program,” Asia Mitchell, Teen Center Director, shared. “They were able to use skills they learned in our Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood Programs to get there tasks done as volunteers.”

Mitchell added this gave Club members real-world experiences in helping others and overall “our youth had an amazing experience.”

One PNBGC member shared that he liked “designing and putting the packets together knowing they were going to help someone.”

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

PNBGC Seniors Receive Steve Scovic Scholarship

Two outstanding Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club graduating seniors were awarded The Steve Scovic $1,000 scholarships during Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Senior Celebration. 

The Steve Scovic Scholarship Fund was created to honor the memory of a beloved member of Reynolds Lake Oconee.  This is the fourth consecutive year that the golfing friends and the family of Mr. Scovic have donated funds to assist these Greene County High School students and fellow PNBGC members in their transition from high school to college.

“Steve was great friend to many in our community, with a big heart and warm smile for all who knew him,” Norm Agran, the chair of the scholarship fund shared. “Steve was passionate about education and creating opportunities for children.He served for many years as the Superintendent of a large Dayton Ohio area school system and this scholarship was created to further the values that Steve held in such high regard.  Its purpose is to assist high achieving students get a head start in their future plans, whether it is college, a trade or the military.  Students who excel in school and work toward defined goals are chosen.”

The recipients for this year’s scholarship are Marquesha Mallory and Gerald Evans. 

Marquesha will be attending East Georgia College and majoring in Criminal Justice where she will also play basketball for EGC. Gerald will be attending East Mississippi Community College in Mississippi, majoring in Sports Recreation and playing football for EMCC. 

Both students received scholarship funds of $1000 each and an HP laptop.

Both recipients are thankful for how this scholarship has allowed them to begin preparing for their next chapter in life and thrilled to be acknowledged in this special way. 

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 706-920-1400.

BGCNCG Board Chair shares his history in the Movement

June and Michael Tompkins at Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Belles & Bowties Fundraiser.

Helping youth change their lives by providing hope and opportunity has been a forefront mission for Michael. Currently he advocates for the youth of North Central Georgia as the Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Georgia. His connection with the Movement began as an 11 year old when he walked through the blue doors in the Bronx of New York City. His family endured hardships along the way, but the club became a safe harbor for him and his five brothers.

“For a number of unavoidable reasons my family moved several times including a short period of being homeless,” Michael shared. “Despite our struggles we remained together.”

In school, Michael was often called a day dreamer. He frequently took trips on the subway to window shop on the other side of town. “The dream was to one day become a customer. I wanted to become somebody of substance.”

His first meaningful employment was at Standard Oil after graduating from high school. Although it was a rewarding position, it did not fit with his long term plan. His young engineering supervisor encouraged Michael to go to college. Eventually he resigned from the refinery which was a scary decision at age 20 with a wife and new baby girl.

Michael’s sense of urgency pushed him to a full time student and employment. The vision to become a successful business executive and give back to his community kept him on target.

After finishing his education at City University of New York with a degree in accounting and economics, he was employed as the Chief Financial Officer at the Jackie Robinson Residential Company. He was later recruited to the Calibre Companies in Atlanta and soon became the Managing Partner in Florida building, investing and managing apartments. He retired from TriBridge Residential as the Executive Managing Partner after 25 years developing an international real estate investment group.

Along the way, Michael remarried June, currently a BGC volunteer. Together they raised four kids. In addition, he served on several Boards including serving as a BGCA National Trustee. “I serve today for BGCNCG with a focus on our youth. I can relate to their hardships. My current dream is to make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth in the next generation.”

WCBGC Parent Involvement Highlight

Journey Clay has a wonderful family. A family who stays involved with the work that she and her older brother, Victor, does at the Boys & Girls Club.  She is shown displaying a piece of artwork that her and her mother did together, as the Future Georgia Educators also came and set up a time for parents and Club members to can enjoy.  Mrs. Brenda Clay, Journey’s mother, stated that she wanted everyone to see the good things that the Club is doing with the Club Members, and that she was so happy to be a part of it.   She doesn’t want to miss anything that gives the parents an opportunity to get involved.                      

Kamrynn Garner and Darien Lancaster are just two of several Club Members who have had parents come to the Club for a visit in participation of Club projects held in the Art Room. Mrs. Lancaster, center, supervises the production of flower pot decoration and flowers created by her son, Darien, provided by the Monroe Junior Service League of Monroe. Beside Kamrynn Garner, is Billy Lewis, Jr., who just finished a presentation with his mother on Autism Awareness Month, with a concluding activity of flower planting to show how members with autism and express and perceive things differently.

Creative Arts brings 'lights, camera, action' to Walton Club

For Tranteegus Allen ensuring youth have a bright future is a motto she lives out as the founder of Desflo, Inc – a nonprofit which helps invest in youth through the arts. 

When Allen heard of the Walton Boys & Girls Club, she knew that a partnership had to be formed. And this is where the Creative Arts Project was born for Club youth. 

For over three months now Allen has been volunteering at WCBGC teaching the youth “how to create film projects through creative arts lenses.”

“This will successfully influence youth to gain knowledge in the specific area of film-making, which promotes literacy and positive youth development,” she shared. “The Creative Art Project is a program that encourages the imagination of original ideas and artistic work of talented youth, which also promotes literacy, self-awareness, self-expression and stage presence.”

Lynn E. Hill, the Club’s director, couldn’t be more thrilled about the new program at the Club. 

“I can see the impact that she is already making with the Club Members,” he said. “Her stage play experience and the promotion of self-awareness gives them something to look forward to. Her passion and love for youth launches her above the rest and our Club members benefit greatly from her leadership.”

For Allen this partnership is about caring for our future generations. 

“Dr. Seuss puts it like this… ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not,” she shared. “Our aim through the partnership is that the youth enjoy the positive activities and heed to the necessary structure and discipline these sessions will require. The sky is the only limit in achievement for these bright individuals.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

PNBGC Names Junior Youth of the Month for May

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 April, PNBGC named Tiejah Darby as Junior Youth of the Month.

“Tiejah Darby has always been a joy to have around ad really sets the example of a Club kid,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Tiejah Darby is always willing to participate and even help the staff out downstairs. Tiejah is currently our Torch Club president and she oversees a lot of our fundraisers created by our teens.”

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

PNBGC Names Youth of the Month for May

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 May, PNBGC named Mareyon Miller as Youth of the Month.

Mareyon Miller has shown a huge growth in his attitude and behavior,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “The staff at Pete Nance struggled to find programs for him to participate in because he just didn’t take an interest but now he make sure he takes the initiative to participate in all programs and even offer to help around the Club”.

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

Walton EMC highlights youth of WCBGC in Classic Golf Tournament

Walton County Boys & Girls Club members recently enjoyed a day of Golf during the Walton EMC Charity Golf Classic sponsored by Walton Electric Membership Corporation.  All funds raised at the tournament go toward the general operating budget of the Walton Club.

“This year’s event was very special to me as Unit Director,” Mr. Lynn E. Hill, Club Director shared. “My father worked at the Walton EMC and retired there after 35 years of employment. Several employees still remember his tenure there, and we do this charity in honor of him and his dedication to Walton EMC. I’m so proud to see this legacy continue through myself and passed down to our Teens and Youth whom we encourage every day.”

The event was highlighted by the Keystone Club and Teens of the Walton Club participated in the event by speaking with golfers and sponsors on the Golf Course, eating lunch with participants and learning the game of Golf from tournament players.

Each year the Walton EMC recognizes outstanding teens of the Walton County Club and spends the day in an effort to promote fundraising for the BGC.  Those youth were recognized at the tournament. 

“These Teens who represented our Boys & Girls Club were excited to be in the Golf Classic.  As I spoke with the principals of the schools, they were all excited to excuse them from the schools because they whole-heartedly felt that the members would benefit from the event and excite them into future endeavors,” Hill shared. 

For WCBGC member Ronny Monford learning golf from those present was an exciting new skill to acquire.

“I love to play all kinds of sports,” he said. “It creates a healthy lifestyle, yet I find this sport to be the most enjoyable!”

Janiya Smith, another Club member, shared “This has been one of the best days ever! I met some really great people from my community with good hearts for the Club.”

“My heart is overjoyed with an opportunity to serve these wonderful teens who have come out to the Golf Classic today. I know the potential of these students, and that is why I wanted to come out and be a part of this annual event,” a WCBGC Volunteer shared. “I believe also that it is not so much as to how much money was raised here at this event, but to see how these Teens had an opportunity to be exposed to something that they may have ever experienced before, and to see the look on their faces, was and is priceless.  I’ve worked to support Teens before, but this year was truly special.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Names May Youth of the Month

Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club is Youth of the Month Sophia Mendez. 

Mendez has been a member of the Club for one year.

“The best thing that I like about the Club is that I get to have fun with all my friends,” Mendez shared. “The staff makes me feel important and I believe I can grow up and be really special.”

Mendez was selected for her positive attitude and willingness to try new things and excelling in implementation of the BGC way.

For Sophia, her favorite program at the Club is Power Hour and the opportunities she has to read out loud to other Club members. Sophia, a kindergartener, is currently reading at a second-grade level. 

“Sophia makes volunteering really special for me at the Boys & Girls Club,” Jenni Andersen, a student volunteer at George Walton Academy.  “Sophia will come in to share with what she has learned from school, and as she completes her homework through the Power Hour Program, she often looks for special activities related to her schoolwork that we have here in the Club. She keeps me excited and looking forward to coming to the Club each day that I come.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, “looks for Sophie coming through the doors of the Club each day.”

“She always helps in encouraging other members and lights up the whole Club with her smile,” he shared. “When I spoke with her parents, they expressed how important it was for their children to learn social skills. She’s not only improved her social skills but teaches other members about improving their social skills. Sophia is a rising Club Member, and a pleasure to have her enrolled here.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

Sophia Mendezis Walton County Boys & Girls Club Teen of the Month for May.

Newton County BGC Getting Ready for Opening

Grand Opening June 3

Newton County Boys & Girls Club’s grand opening is June 3 and with that volunteers have been gathering for Give Back Saturday initiative to get the Club ready for its big day. 

The Club’s location will be at 13634 Browns Bridge Road, Covington GA, 30016. NCBGC Advisory board members and volunteers have been busy working on landscaping to interior renovations to get the Club ready for opening. 

“Our Newton County Boys & Girls Club has been going through major transformations as we prepare for the opening of our Club on June 3rd. We are continuing with the remolding of the inside and outside of the site,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director shared. “We are very appreciative of the volunteers that have helped us with our Give Back Saturday events. We have two more events you can be help play a vital role in preparing our Club.”

Williams said so far, “We have collectively removed all items from the buildings that needed to be trashed, pulled up the carpet, worked on the landscaping by removing the trash, planting grass seeds, planting flowers and laying down mulch.”

The two Give Back Saturday’s coming up are:

• May 11 the Club will have a Design Day from 9 am to 12 pm, which will involve organizing furniture, hanging TVs, connecting computers and hanging posters. 

•  June 1 the Club will have a Clean Up Day from 9 am to 12 pm, which will involve cleaning and disinfecting the Club, clearing the area around the Club and ensuring the final touches of the Club are prepared for the grand opening.

Williams said currently NCBGC are accepting teens for the teen summer program, if interested in signing your teen up for our Teen Summer Program please email Nakita Williams at nwilliams@bgcncg.com. 

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty.

Reynolds Lake Oconee feeds PNBGC Youth

Recently, Reynolds at Lake Oconee sponsored a night of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club’s Thursday Dinner program. Staff from Reynolds Lake Oconee including, Master Chef Derin Moore, arrived at 3 PM and began serving our Club youth. They started by serving a fresh garden salad and then served baked barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley. The youth enjoyed a sweet brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as dessert. Club members remarked on how much they enjoyed the meal. “We are really grateful for the Reynolds generosity toward our youth and look forward to partnering again soon,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director shared. To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400. 

Engaging in College Readiness for Spring Break

PNBGC members tour Clark Atlanta University 

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members spent their Spring Break this year touring colleges alongside other Club members from Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. 

They visited the historical Clark Atlanta University, as well as Georgia College. 

Each college tour is a part of the Diplomas 2 Degrees program, which aims to educate and familiarize the teens with the college experience by providing members with first-hand access and insight from college students and faculty. 

“The Clark Atlanta visit gave our Club members the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the routines of students and see a bustling college campus,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “The youth also learned about the historical and cultural relevance of the university. It was a great visit for them.”

In addition to the Clark Atlanta tour, the teens enjoyed a fun outing at Main Event Entertainment Center in Atlanta. The teens were able to enjoy bowling, arcade style and virtual-interactive games, a multi-level laser-tag arena and indulge themselves in the pizza bar. 

Teen club member Traveon Jackson sated, “the trip allowed us to meet with members from the other Clubs, which gave us a rare opportunity to socialize and bond through competitive bowling and laser-tag.” 

“I had a great time bowling with the staff and the funniest part was watching older staff learning to play newer games,” Arianna Ross, PNBGC member shared. “It felt good teaching the staff something new.”

During their trip back the teens visited Stonecrest Mall to shop and browse through the stores. The trip was a great opportunity for the teens and staff to get outside the Club and bond while on Spring Break.

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

PNBGC member slam dunks scholarship to College

Basketball has always been a passion for Marquesha Mallory. Between playing for Greene County High School and practicing inside the walls of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club as a member, Marquesha is often found with a basketball in her hands. 

Her dream to play college basketball recently came true, as East Georgia offered Marquesha a two-year scholarship to play for the Bobcats. 

A Club member for just two years, Marquesha has become a standout Club leader. 

“I love coming to the Club to work with the younger kids and continue learning about how to become a great leader in my community,” she shared. 

In 2018, Marquesha’s leadership within the Club grew as she was offered a job through the Club’s summer work program.

“Ms. Marquesha worked during the 2018 summer as a Youth Development Professional and was such a delight that we decided hire her as a part time staff to remain a Youth Development Professional,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “And, now Marquesha serves in our Membership Clerk position. She’s been such a wonderful role model for our youth and fellow peers.”

Marquesha’s dedication to her grades and work life balance are obvious. She’s been able to maintain a 3.5 GPA in high school while being a student athlete, keeping a jog at the Club and her studies. 

Graduating soon, Marquesha said she’s looking forward to this new chapter in her life and is extremely grateful to those who have helped shape her life, including the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club. 

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