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. 

NCBGC Ringin’ in NY with Ball

Newton County residents are invited to ring in the new year with Newton County Boys & Girls Club for the Club’s first New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Dec. 31. The ball will be held at Oxford College’s dining hall located at 300 Pierce St, Oxford, GA. 

The ball will kick off at 9 PM and end at 1 AM after guest’s ring in the new year together. “There will be live music, exquisite food catered by Oxford College and an open bar for guests,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Club director, shared. 

“We are so excited to have the community join us for this inaugural fundraiser. We would love to have the support of everyone. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a permanent location for our Newton County Boys & Girls Club. Since opening June 3, 2019, we have been working with several teens throughout the summer and after school. With the support of the community, we will be able to build or purchase a location that will allow us to serve thousands of teens.”

Williams added that the Club offers empowering programs such Homework Help, Job Readiness and College Readiness, Sports and Fitness, Character & Leadership, and many more.”

Tickets for the ball can be purchased at www.bgcncg.com/ball, as well as sponsorship packages with VIP entry to the event and varying levels of partnership opportunities for the community. 

“We are so grateful to this community and how you’ve embraced the work we’re doing here for Newton County youth,” Williams shared. “We’re looking forward to seeing you at the ball!”

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, sponsorship opportunities, or the Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/ballor call 470-444-1914.

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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.

1stAnnual Walton Boys & Girls Club Gala Ball

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubs recently held its first BGC Walton Gala Ball, 

The program was set up and ran by the Parents of the Club Members. Parents came together in weekly meeting discuss the logistics and etiquette necessary to hold such festive event for the Club members. 

The ball consisted of approximately 25 Club members between ages of 6 and 12 years of age.  The Torch Club of the Walton Club sponsored the activities, marketing, and setup for the dance. The Club Directors assisted in the facilitating of the event.

Parents and staff provided a wonderful display of food and games for them all to enjoy.  The “Golden Steppers” of the Walton Club also made a performance of synchronized steps for the duration of the night. Club Members dressed up in semi-formal wear with boys dressed in suits and ties and girls dressed in their gowns and dresses.

 “I had so much fun dancing with my friends,” Tiedrell Ansley, a Club member, shared. “ I got to dance, eat good food, and enjoy myself.”

Elizabeth Day, a WCBGC parent shared her gratitude toward the Club.

“I really would like to thank the Boys & Girls Club for not only giving our children something to do but allowing us to be a part of it as well,” she said. “I have never had this kind of opportunity to do something with my children, and I know that they all had a great time because we gave them the attention that they needed, and they really enjoyed themselves. You could really tell it!”

WCBGC board member Katie Downey shared how this event was a “wonderful way for our youth to enjoy themselves and have fun. I hope that it will be something that we could do every year.”

 “Parent involvement and parental engagement was the motive for us to hold this Gala Ball,” Mr. Lynn E. Hill,Club Director, shared. “It gives the parents an opportunity to have to ownership in the process of helping our Club Members develop ‘Great Futures.” 

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

Club Alumnus Ronny Monford Visits Walton Club

Walton County Boys & Girls Club alumnus Ronny Monford visited his Club recently to share with peers about his experience thus far in college. 

Monford was a member of the Walton County Club for seven years. During his time as a member, he was able to participate in a wide range of clubs and activities. Now that he has graduated high school, he most enjoys being a college student with the freedom and the opportunity to make his own choices. “Show who you are and your drive to be successful in this world” is Ronny’s motto.

Ronny is majoring in general business at the College of Coastal Georgia. 

 “The Boys & Girls Club honestly got me to this stage in my life. We did so many

activities, trips, and hands on workshops. For example, during the week at the Club we did

activities like money matters and passport to manhood. The Keystone program taught me so many lessons from project management to time and money management, I was prepared for this next chapter of my life because of the Club,” he shared with Club members and Club Director Lynn E. Hill. 

Hill shared, “I have talked with Ronny on several occasions during his first semester at Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, and I have found him to have adjusted to the college life very well. I can definitely see the impact that his Club here at Walton has had in his life and I’m so proud of all his hard work in college.”

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

Walton Teens Take Trip to Fortis College

Walton County Boys & Girls Club teens recently took a trip to Fortis College located in Smyrna Georgia. The trip was designed to expose members to a variety of career opportunities. 

“Offering limitless possibilities of options after graduation is a key focus,” Michelle Hollins, Program Director for WCBGC shared. “This exposure ensures our members are well rounded and properly prepared to make the best decisions possible when they begin the transition from high school to college, technical, or the work force.”

Fortis college provides career education for the healthcare, emergency medical services, dental, and skilled trades career fields. Club members learned about the healthcare and medical career training programs in Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, EMT, and Pharmacy Technician.  Youth also learned about the Welding Technician program which can train members for an entry-level position as a welder. 

“The trip helped me in my interest to attend college and get an education,”Cameria R. shared. “I learned that if you put your mind to it, you can do it! My career interest was EMT, Nurse and Orthodontist.”

Arianna, a Club member added, “The trip was interesting because I learned that whatever you want to be, you can be! I also learned that EMT’s work on movie sets. I want to be an EMT worker.” 

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

Monroe Women's Junior Club offers Anti-Bullying Program for WCBGC members

The Monroe Women’s Junior Club recently visited the Walton County Boys & Girls Club to offer fall craft project class. During the crafting projects, they incorporated a bullying prevention program for Club members. 

Club members had an opportunity to create craft projects, as well as goodie bags filled with tasty treats. The volunteers did an anti-bullying program with the members where they learned about the effects of bullying, how it can hurt people, and the steps they should take if they witness someone being bullied. 

During this activity, Club members created a stress ball, made a flip book about bullying, and visited tables where they filled a bag with snacks of their choice.

 “The bullying program was really good,”Camoria D., WCBGC Club member shared,“When bullying happens you are supposed to tell a teacher or say something about it. I didn’t know that 45 percent of people get bullied. I also loved the craft projects we made.”

Kristin Kennedy of the Monroe Junior Women’s Club shared, “This was so rewarding seeing the kids’ faces and the joy that was spread. I can't wait to do it again!”

“It’s so important that our young people learn the impact of our actions and how to be look out for one another,” Lynn E. Hill,WCBGC Club Director shared. “We are so grateful for the Monroe Junior Women’s Club for sharing such wisdom and teaching a wonderful class at the Club.”

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

Newton County Boys & Girls Club Names Youth of the Year

Newton County Boys & Girls Club member Miracle Gospel has been named Youth of the Year for her Club, which is the highest honor bestowed upon youth within Boys & Girls Club.

Youth named to this title showcase exemplary core characters that Boys & Girls Clubs fosters -leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

Gospel will now compete for the organizational title for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia in November and, if she wins, will compete for the state of Georgia Youth of the Year and a chance to win a $5,000 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

“Miracle is very strong and passionate about fighting for the issues that teens face,” Nakita Williams, Newton County Boys & Girls Club Director shared. “She’s been a member of the Club since our opening June 3, 2019. Since then she has continued to showcase leadership skills and willingness to participate in the programs at the Boys & Girls Club, while encouraging her peers.”

Miracle participates in SMART Girls,which is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls. She is also the President of our Keystone Club. Keystone is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. 

“Miracle continuously comes up with different ideas for the teens, as well as different ideas to help the community that she is a part of,” Williams shared.“She wants to focus on creating programs for young ladies to help build self-esteem and self-awareness. She also wants to implement an art program that will help teens heal from grief of losing a loved one. After losing two cousins to gun violence she found her healing in painting and wants to do the same for other teens.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported the youth advocacy organization for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated to inspiring the next generations of engineers, thinkers and leaders who will help drive the American economy. 

If Miracle Gospelwins at the state competition, shewill compete for the title of SoutheastRegion Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four yearsup to $40,000. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2020, to compete for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’sNational Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000 and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit www.youthoftheyear.org. For more information about Newton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.comor call us at 
470-444-1914.

Dancing With The Madison Stars Is Almost Here: Nov. 7!

Madison Morgan County Boys & Girls Club’s staple event Dancing With the Madison Stars is back with bigger and better entertainment on deck. 

Dancing with the Madison Stars iconic event will highlight nine teams this year November 7 at 6 pm located at the Madison-Morgan Culture Center Hall. Tickets for this fundraiser to support Madison’s youth can be purchased online at www.bgcncg.com/dwms. You can also vote for your favorite dance team as another way to support the Club’s efforts. 

The festivities begin at 6 pm and will be full of entertainment, dancing, and fun. 

This years dancers are:

·     Dr. Josh and Jacquelyn Whetzel

·     Matti Griffin and Taylor Faust

·     Larry Massey and Brenda Peters

·     James Martin and Claire Nunn

·     Austin Beushausen and Ciara Pemberton

·     Jolonda Cosby and Shannon Crowe

·     Skip Basinger & Chris Lambert

·     Jim Irish & Conny Kullman

Nancy Vaughan, co-chair of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club’s board, shares her reason for lending her support to Dancing With The Madison Stars.

“Since 2012 there has been another very important Thursday in November besides Thanksgiving which is our annual Dancing With Madison’s Stars that benefits the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club! I am always amazed and gratified as I watch our generous community come together to support an event which helps to provide funds for our after-school programs and summer day camp for so many young people in our community,” she shared. “ This generosity comes from so many in our community – dancers who practice long hours, judges who provide entertaining banter with the dancers, restaurants and individual cooks who provide their tastiest treats, volunteers who help with lighting and sound and a large committee which works long hours behind the scenes to make this night special for all!  As a local board member of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club since 2008, it has been my privilege to be a part of this event because I see firsthand the positive Impact which the club has on our community!”

Vaughan adds her gratitude for the community who makes this event a success. 

“And then there are all of you who make it work because you purchase tables, buy individual tickets and vote for your favorite dance team!  Without you, our event would not have grown to become the other important Thursday in November – mark your calendars for November 7, 2019, our eighth annual Dancing With the Madison Stars!”

Your support allows MMCBGC to continue to grow and provide great futures for all of our youth. Your support impacts a child’s present and future. 

To purchase tickets or vote for your favorite dance team, visit www.bgcncg.com/dwms or call 706-342-1117.

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.

Dungeon Boxing Gym a ‘knock out’ supporter for NCBGC

For Carey Foster of Dungeon Boxing Gym, Boys & Girls Club means “safe haven” to him as a Club alumnus of W.W. Houston Boys & Girls Club. Now as a business owner in Covington, Foster was searching for ways to give back in a big way to his local Boys & Girls Club.

Foster has partnered with Newton County Boys & Girls Club to offer funding for a Passport2Manhood program.

This program is devoted toward empowering young men to become successful and productive adults. 

His reason for giving back in such a large way is simple, “the Boys & Girls Club was influential in my life and others.”

“Relocating from housing projects to low income neighborhoods, as a protective measure to keep me off of the streets and out of trouble my mother deemed it necessary to enroll me in the Boys and Girls Club,” he shared. “It’s important to have community assistance with raising a child in a single parent home. With the parent having to work long hours to provide the things the child needs and half the things the child wants, we may fall short in other aspects of parenting.”

From the ages of 12 to 16, Foster was at the Club and he credits it as a place where he knew he was safe and able to grow up among positive role models. 

“At times when my peers and I were being mischievous and that little voice in my head said “not a good idea” or “it’s time to get off the block,” I would go to the Boys & Girls Club and play football, basketball, go swimming or spend time at the teen center,” he added.

Foster hopes to instill these characteristics he gained from his BGC experience to the youth of this generation. 

With the Passport2Manhood program, Foster is looking forward to young men receiving mentorship and life skill elements that help them become productive as teens. 

“As a young man I needed guidance and support to deal with life's struggles and at times made bad choices because I didn’t have it,” he shared. “I would like to offer guidance and support our young adults to prevent them from having to go through some of the hardships I had to learn.”

He’s looking forward to watching teens confidence grown and learning skills for critical thinking. 

At the end of the day life-changing work takes partnerships and Foster hopes that his support will showcase the importance of “businesses needing to work together to help make a difference in community.”

Overall, Foster is excited to be the role model so many people offered him during his BGC experience as a teen. 

“It means a great deal to me to be able to give back to the community because I know firsthand how the support of the Boys & Girls Club helped change my life,” he shared.

Dungeon Boxing Gym is located at 11505 Brown Bridge Road in Covington, GA. The gym was established in 2015 by Carey Foster and his wife, Ebonita. The Dungeon offers boxing training, strength and conditioning, dance classes, tutoring and mentoring. To learn more about The Dungeon Boxing Gym visit dungeonsquads.com or call 770-788-0680.

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgncg.com/newtoncountyor call 470-444-1914.

NCBGC receives $500 grant from BGCA

Newton County Boys & Girls Club recently utilized a $500 grant from Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the Be a STAR curriculum.

"The Be A Star program helped our teens to become more aware of their emotions and how to identify with them, as well as how their actions affect others. Through the program teens discovered that a lot of teens experience bullying,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director, shared. “A few of our teens learned how they may have contributed to bullying and they didn't realize that they were. One of the biggest forms of bullying for teens is cyber bullying through and through this program they were able to self-reflect on how they have played a role in this type of bullying, either as victim or the aggressor. The teens have also discussed wanting to facilitate the program to younger youth."

LaTrese Coyt, National Director for Sports and Experiential Relationships for BGCA, shared “Encouraging our youth to explore their emotions as it relates to bullying is important in reducing incidents.”

“Be A STAR program has been instrumental in members sharing how they can do more to show tolerance and respect towards their peers related to the prevention of bullying,” she said.  

For more information about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncountyor call 470-444-1914

Snapping Shoals donates $11,000 toward Club

Snapping Shoals recently donated $11,000 toward Newton County Boys & Girls Club’s outside basketball court and multi-sports field for our youth. 

 “Sports & Fitness is a very important focus for our Club and it helps showcase to our youth the importance of living a healthy lifestyle,” NCBGC Director, Nakita Williams, shared. “This multi-sports field and court will definitely assist our Club in promoting healthy lifestyles. We are so grateful for Snapping Shoals.”

 For more information about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncountyor call 470-444-1914.

Leadership Newton Gives Back to NCBGC

Leadership Newton County gathered recently to help Newton County Boys & Girls club stain their outside deck and tend to the Club. 

“It’s a beautiful thing to see so many leaders in Newton County come together as one to help the Newton County Boys & Girls Club,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director, shared. “It started out with just staining the deck and they did so much more. We are very appreciative of all the hard work they gave to our Club.”

Royce Baker from the Leadership Newton, shared "It was our pleasure to serve and give back to such a worthy organization."  

"We look forward to seeing how Newton County Boys and Girls Club grows to better serve the children of Newton County,” she added. 

For more information about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncountyor call 470-444-1914

NCBGC Hosts Cooking for Health event

Newton County recently hosted its first Cooking for Health event and the Newton County Boys & Girls Club hosted the event. 

“Our partners and youth worked together to create the event, which had 8 stations,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director shared. “Each station prepared a healthy snack for Club members to learn how to make and sample. The snacks we prepared were smoothies, sandwich wraps, deviled eggs, humus, Rueben sandwiches, taco dip, and infused water.”

Nita Thompson and Nancy Schultz, both NCBGC board members helped serve at a station as well as NCBGC Youth of the Year, Miracle Gospel and Youth of the Year Ambassador, Devin Hill. 

“At the end of the event members were able to go home with bags of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as copies of the recipes,” Williams shared. “The members really enjoyed the event.”

For more information about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty or call 470-444-1914

WCBGC Names October Youth of the Month

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

Day has been a member of the Club for two years. 

“The reason why I like coming to the Boys & Girls Club the most is because I love helping the little kids, and have fun and to enjoy my life with other people,” Day shared. 

“When Rose enters the building, she is always courteous and greets the club staff with a smile. After she eats her snack, she goes straight to the learning center to begin her homework.,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “With so many options at the club, Rose definitely stays focused on her studies. She sets a great example for her peers by helping them with assignments as needed. Rose even goes the extra mile by saying encouraging words to help them finish their homework.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s watched Rose become more interested in how she can help her peers around her in various programs. 

“Rose has excelled in character and leadership by participating in various programs, including fundraisers for the Club, such as running in the Walton 5K Race,” Hill added. 

For Rose, the Club gives her a space to “be with her friends, have fun and learn.”

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

Rose Day is Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Month for October.

WCBGC hosts Club-wide STEM day

Walton County Boys & Girls Club members participated in a Club-wide STEM project recently where members learned how to make solar ovens. 

Members used cardboard, aluminum foil, black construction paper, plastic wrap, tape, and glue to create their ovens. 

Working together as a team, members constructed their oven and cooked S’mores outside. The goal of the activity was to get the youth to use their imagination. Club members learned how to envision construction like an engineer in order to create the plans to implement the project. They also used their science skills to figure out the best way to get the heat from the sun to melt the chocolate. 

Essence B., a WCBGC member, shared, “Making a solar oven was a lot of fun. The best part is it won’t cost my mom a lot of money because most of the supplies are items we have at home. I had so much fun learning how to work together with my friends to make this project.”

Lynn E. Hill,WCBGC Club Director, shared how exciting it was to watch Club members work together.

“This project was very innovative. I walked around the Club and saw that all the rooms were engaged in the process. The youth were having a lot of fun. Everyone was working together, and the staff did a great job ensuring the youth were able to pitch in to complete their ovens. When they were outside cooking their s’mores, their smiles were brighter than the sunshine. Our goal is to mix education with fun and expose our members to new interests daily.”

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

MMCBGC October Member of the Month

Celebrating MMCBGC Members of the Month 

For Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club members being named Club Member of the Month is a big deal - it’s highlighting those Club members growth and leadership skills within the Club. 

Club member of the Month, Gabby Outram, who’s been a member for two years, said “the Club has helped me develop my math skills and shown me I actually really enjoy math.”

Outram’s favorite Club program is Power Hour where she gets structured time with Club members and staff to work on her homework.

Karen Robertson, MMBGC Senior Executive Club Director, shared how she’s watched Gabby be a light at the Club. 

“Gabby always arrives at the Club smiling, “she shared. “She greets everyone with a smile and is such a leader during Power Hour with other Club members. I have seen Gabby a shy second grader come out of her shell and make friends with other Club members.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County  Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/mmc or call 706-342-1117.

MMCBGC members attend UGA game

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club members recently attended a University of Georgia football game. 

“Our Operations Director, Brad Parr, received a call from Derrick Floyd wanting to send our youth to the UGA verses Arkansas football game,” Donna Brown, MMCBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Our Club members were thrilled to learn of this opportunity to go to the UGA football game and, not only see a game, but see how they treat recruits when they come to a UGA football game.”

Club members were able to stand on the sidelines while watching their favorite football players play. 

Derrick Floyd, left.

“I have been to many UGA football games and even sat in the sky box many times, but I never had as much fun as I had at this game. It was awesome to see our Club kid’s faces as they watched the game,” Brown shared.  

Markalya Ingram, a MMCBGC member, shared she was nervous at first to go to the sidelines, but once there enjoyed chanting ‘Let’s go Georgia’ and spending time with fellow Club members.”

“We are so grateful to community member Derrick Floyd who made this trip possible for our youth,” Brown shared. “Our Club members enjoyed learning about the university as well as experiencing, for many, their first college football game.”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/mmc or call 706-342-1117.