Facebook Offers Engineer of the Week program to BGCNCG Clubs

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently received a grant opportunity from Facebook to participate in their Engineer for A Week program. Club members from Walton, Newton, Greene, and Madison will participate together. 

“Engineer for the Week provides a pathway for our Club members to explore engineering and gain computer science skills,” Brad Parr, Operations Director for BGCNCG, shared. “We are always looking for new ways to expose students to technical careers and this opportunity from Facebook is a great way to showcase the world of computer sciences.”

Throughout the EFTW, Club members willbuild a working tech prototype and explore key engineering concepts that they can carry forward in their lives. Club members will use a common engineering process called ‘sprints.’ Sprints break their work into smaller phases, which allows them to make gradual improvements from concept to completion.

“One of the exciting aspects of this week is that our Club members will engage with Facebook engineers,” Parr added. “Club members will get to engage with them through calls and ask them questions about their experiences during the week.”

BGCNCG’s Engineer For The Week program will launch in November.

“Facebook truly cares about the lives and growth of our Club members and we’re excited to see what our youth create together during their time in this program,” Bob Mackey, CEO and President of BGCNCG, shared. 

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com. 

Together We Are: Staying Safe During COVID19

Safety is the number one priority of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, and the organization has been keeping consistent protocol in place to keep children, our staff, and volunteers protected from the COVID-19 virus. 

During the pandemic BGCNCG has provided over 5,000 masks, 2,500 pairs of gloves, 20 gallons of sanitizer, 80 gallons of disinfectant, and two infrared thermometers to ensure safety within our Clubs.

“We’ve upgrade dour HVAC units with GPS (Global Plasma Solutions) technology to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and more that reside in air ducts,” Brad Parr, Director of Operations of BGCNCG, shared. “During the beginning of the pandemic we shut down to ensure that we created safety protocols and measures that keep our community safe. We met weekly with our BGCNCG task force to deliver timely updates to the community and get our safety protocol in place for an abbreviated summer program to begin. We launched our summer program July 6 and reopened for after school program August 31 and have continued to safely operate 7 days a week since opening August 31.”

BGCNCG’s Clubs continuously undergo sanitization remediation which includes all Club materials, rooms and games equipment. All staff and youth are masked at all times and maintain appropriate CDC six feet distance guidelines. The organization continues to monitor health updates and guidelines through its safety task force from local health officials and the CDC. 

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve been continuing to do whatever it takes to serve the youth who needs us more than ever,” Bob Mackey, CEO and President of BGCNCG, shared. “Together we have worked to offer vital virtual enrichment opportunities for our youth and now as we are safely gathering in our Clubs, we continue to find new unique ways to provide our youth with opportunities that foster great futures.”

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com.

Blue Sky Project Empowers Youth

Stafford Green had an idea for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia that involved the sky being the limit for youth. BGCNCG youth participated in the Blue-Sky Project competition over the course of the summer where youth were asked to answer one question: “In 2025, what is the world like and where will you be?” The answers were uplifting.

Ideas offered varied from a cure for COVID-19, becoming an impactful photographer, offering community landscaping, building homes for community members and much more. 

“I wanted each child to think beyond the stresses of COVID to a time in the near future where the virus is under control and where they have worked hard to achieve something big and exciting,” Green shared. “Our youth members visualizing that future helps cope now, but also it defines a specific goal that they describe themselves to which they can strive and succeed.” 

For first place winner of the competition Jayden Roberts, of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, these ideas of coping and striving for success felt very real. Jayden’s vision is to become a landscaper or as he calls it, a “doctor of the earth.”

“I wanted to take a chance on myself and use my time right now to plan my tomorrow and the Blue-Sky Project was a great opportunity,” he shared. “What surprised me was as I prepared my submission how my public speaking skills improved. I gained a lot of confidence by overcoming my fear of speaking in front of my peers. Through practice and determination, I succeeded.”

Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, shared his excitement with this newinitiative.

“The Blue-Sky Project competition has been a futuristic, but rigorous experience for our youth during one of our most challenging times while facing COVID-19,” Mackey offered. “Having the youth remain steadfast about their futures provides a sense of determination and focus on their studies ahead. This has been one of the most rewarding projects that I've seen.”

Second place winner Jamiya Broadus, of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, participated in Blue Sky Project because she wants to become a philanthropist who serves her community well.

“I wanted to participate in the Blue-Sky Project because I knew it would give me a visual of what I wanted to do in my life and all the goals I wanted to accomplish,” she shared. “I realized quickly what was most impactful was having my community involved in my goals and my mother helped me realize how much that mattered to me.”

Broadus adds, “There are so many things you can do in the world, but it doesn't have to be the world, it could just be your community. The little things that you do could make it an overall better place for everyone and the things you do doesn't have too be big.” 

What’s next for Blue Sky Project? 

“Blue Sky Project is not over. We are dreaming up our next activities and will execute more contests to positively engage the kids in a variety of things,” Green shared. “I am hoping the contest will also excite the community to get involved to help broaden the children’s’ view of what’s possible for building a great life.”

Brad Parr, BGCNCG Director of Operations, added this new initiative helps BGCNCG connect members to career professionals who can mentor them before graduation and help their dreams become reality. 

And for BGCNCG youth, reality is fostering dreams that become actualized goals. 

For Broadus, she knows what to do – “if I want to reach my goals, I need to start now.”

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia visit, www.bgcncg.com. 

UP NEXT

Gladstone Nicholson Committed to NCBGC Youth

Gladstone Nicholson has always held close his lifelong principle of helping others and that has translated into a strong desire to help the upcoming generation. After learning of the Newton County Boys & Girls Club, he knew this was the place to sew his wisdom. 

“The present generation must richly respect the next generation and itis this vision that leads me to make this commitment to Newton County Boys & Girls Club,” he shared. “Many have observed that youths in the newly-developed areas of western Newton County have apparently been overlooked, yet thanks to the common vision and good will of many caring people, NCBGC was created and began showcasing to the wider community that these youth cannot be forgotten.”

Gladstone is committed to “regularly contributing to the financial well-being of NCBGC and to help work for its growth and expansion.”

“We’re seeking to serve even larger numbers of our youth,” he shared. “May God assist all caring and kind-hearted people in this mission of faith in our youth as we manifest the love for them that we share. There is a saying, ‘Youth must be served,’ and my hope is that Newton County residents will live this fact and not ignore the youth who need us most.”

Bob Mackey, President and CEO, shared his appreciation for Nicholson’s bold commitment. 

“When we share that we are doing whatever it takes that encompasses people like Mr. Nicholsonwho is truly opening his heart to our youth through his time, energy, and treasure,” he shared. “Together we will continue to grow Newton County Boys & Girls Club and ensure just as Mr. Nicholsonshared that every youth here is served.”

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

MMCBGC Celebrates Youth of the Week

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. During the Club’s summer programming youth have been recognized weekly for their accomplishments. For the final week of summer programming, MMCBGC is celebrating Jayden Robertson, Kiedarius Merritt and Stephen Warren for their positive behavior and good character.

Each Club member received an award certificate and a prize from the Club’s treasure box. 

MMCBGC member Stephen Warren shared that he was “excited to be named Club member of the week.”

“I had fun this summer playing all the games and going outside to cycle,” he added. “I love cycling the most because you get to ride bikes and we are like a whole team when we ride together. Mr. David is teaching us how to be safe on our bikes and I learned how to use hand signals this summer.”

For MMCBGC member Kiedarius Merrit being named Member of the Week makes her feel like her “hard work is being appreciated.”

“I feel really happy here and appreciated by every staff member,” she added. “The Club has been so much fun this summer even though we are social distancing. Water day was my favorite day!”

MMCBGC member Jayden Robertson added that he was really excited to be named a Club Member of the Week. 

“I always feel safe here and the Club continues to help me figure out what I’m passionate about,” he shared.

Karen Robertson, MMCBGC Senior Executive Director, shared that “it’s always incredibly rewarding to see the growth in our members and it is equally heartwarming to learn that their Boys & Girls Club played a vital role in offering them a safe and quality summer experience that I believe has contributed to their growth and good character.”

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

NCBGC Shares Youth of the Week

Newton County Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. This week NCBGC has named Vicente Estrada as its Club Member of the Week for his eagerness to assist the Club and show up as a leader amongst his peers. 

“Vicente started his membership in August of 2019. He attends the Newton College & Career Academy and is an a part of several prestigious academic groups at school,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director, shared. “Vicente was selected as a member of the week for his dedication to ensuring that his peers help keep the club clean.”

“The Club helps me feel like I have a place I belong, and I enjoy being around the staff and my friends I’ve made here,” Vincent shared.

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncountyor call 770-444-1914.

MMCBGC Members Grow Lima Beans Through STEM

MMCBGC Members Grow Lima Beans Through STEM

 Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club members are growing their planting skills at the Club this summer. Club members recently participated in a lima bean germination STEM experiment where Club members used a plastic bag, soil, mulch, fertilizer, and water to grow their own lima bean plant. 

“On day one you could hear Club members asking, ‘how long will it take to grow,’ ‘when can we eat the lima beans,’ and ‘I can’t wait to watch it grow over time,’” Donna Brown, MMCBGC Program Coordinator, shared. “It’s just so exciting to watch them light up with curiosity and enter our Club each day ready to tend to their plants.”

Brown shared Club members have been “expanding their vocabulary learning all about the germination process of a plant,” as well as starting a desire in Club members to plant a bigger garden.

MMCBGC member Brianna Foster shared, “Every day I’m so excited to see how my lima bean plant has grown. I come home every day ready to tell my family just how much as well.”

Brown adds these STEM activities allow Club members to participate in science experiments in a new and refreshing way. 

“Our youth are learning hands on science through their planting experience and they’re coming back into our Clubs asking, ‘what next,’ which are my favorite two words to hear from them.”

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

WCBGC Names Youth of the Month for July

WCBGC Names Youth of the Month for July 

 Walton County Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club is Youth of the Month Jatonia Hill.

Jatonia has been a Club member every summer and enjoys the Club for “it’s great activities, fun games, and playing with friends.”

“Jatonia is a natural leader. When she comes into the gym, she shows leadership traits daily. Jatonia is very respectful. She steps up and shows her skills during activities, and if we are doing an activity that is new to her, she is always open and willing to try,” Malik Deloatch, WCBGC Athletic Coordinator, shared. “One of the things I admire most about Jatonia, is her ability to be so respectful, even if she is tired and no longer wants to participate in an activity. 

Jatonia shares that being at the Club has helped her “branch out and learn new things.”

“Jatonia was chosen as Youth of the Month because she displays a high level of respect, fairness and trustworthiness, which aligns with the clubs BGC way,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director shared. 

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

WCBGC Art Time Brings Youth’s Creativity To Light

WCBGC Art Time Brings Youth’s Creativity To Light 

Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Summer Programming has brought creativity to its members allowing Club members to express themselves through the arts this summer. 

“Oftentimes, our members find art to be a great way to pass time or a way to express themselves.” Michelle Hollis, WCBGC Program Coordinator, shared. “During our summer programming we’ve structured time for our members to free draw, paint, color or create crafts that allows them to tap into a creative culture that could become more than a hobby for them one day.”

Club member Barecia Davis shared that her art time has allowed her to take what she’s learned and draw it.

“We get to use art as a way to learn about different things like animals. We watched a Sea World show about dolphins and then had a chance to create our own dolphin,” she shard. “We also learned about the different types of octopus and then colored one based on what we learned!”

Teen member Angel Booker shared that art time has allowed her to find a new way to relax. 

“I can use this free time to relax when I’m feeling stressed and it has become something I look forward to,” she said. 

Allison Naidoo, WCBGC Art Aide, shared that it’s “important for young people to participate in art because it gives them the opportunity to express themselves visually. Most often, things members are unable to verbally express, can be expressed through drawing, painting or crafting. Doing this, gives them the ability to share their emotions with others in a positive way!”

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

BLBGC Celebrating Youth & Summer

Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club is Youth of the Month Trenity Bland.

“Trenity is a bright, hardworking, kind and generous soon-to-be fifth grader,” Sandra Watts, BLBGC director, shared. “Her smile is simply infectious. She radiates joy wherever she goes and consider our Club lucky to have her as a Club member here.”

Bland shared that her favorite summer activity this summer was during STEM week at the Club. 

“We created a wind powered vehicle from balloons, empty water bottles, glue, pencils, rubber bands, straws and tape. It was an amazing feeling to watch your vehicle actually take off just with the use of wind,” she shared. “I love being a Club member here and all the nice people I get to meet and learn things with – it’s awesome!”

To learn more about Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club or give toward the youth, visit bgcncg.com/Barnesville or call 770-207-6279.

NCBGC STEM Week

Newton County youth have been busy learning new skills at the Newton County Boys & Girls Club this summer. For STEM week members completed science experiments from a social distance.

“On Monday members participated in an activity that involved vinegar and baking soda that created a chemical reaction. Members also worked in groups to complete various experiments with the most popular being growing crystals,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director, shared “Members mixed a solution and each day they watch as the solution crystallized and continue to grow.” 

STEM weekend concluded by making homemade self-serve ice cream.

“Creating the ice cream was a very fun activity and very delicious,” Saree Durham, a NCBGC member shared. 

If you want to make NCBGC homemade ice cream, you can with this recipe below:

INGREDIENTS

·     1 c.  half-and-half

·     2 tbsp. granulated sugar

·     1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

·     3 c. ice

·     1/3 c. kosher salt

·     Toppings of your choice

DIRECTIONS

• In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.

• Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.

• Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.

“We’ve been having a blast this summer,” Williams added. Our youth have been so excited to be back amongst friends from a safe distant.”

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

Covington Conyers Club donates toward BGCNCG

Originally Posted By The Covington News

COVINGTON, Ga. — The Covington Conyers Cycling Club (C4) made an effort to help stimulate the local economy last week by making generous donations to Action Ministries and the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.

C4 donated $500 to the Boys and Girls Club, followed by presenting Action Ministries with a check for $1,000.

“Our donations are keeping with one of the visions of our club, which is to organize, volunteer and contribute to organizations in our region,” said John Keck, president of C4.

Two days after their donation to the Boys and Girls Club, the Covington Conyers Cycling Club presented Action Ministries with a check for $1,000. President John Keck, left, is pictured with Santia Moore, Hunger Relief Coordinator for Action Ministries. - Special to The Covington News

Action Ministries exists to provide hunger relief, housing and education for families across Georgia. They’ve been active in Newton County throughout the spring and summer, providing lunches for the underprivileged and those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Boys and Girls Club exists to help develop the youth into productive and responsible citizens. They’ve recently established a new facility, which is located on 13534 Brown Bridge Road.

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.

MMCBGC Surprises Seniors

Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club board members, community members, and Club staff collaborated recently to surprise their Club Seniors with balloons, personalized yard signs, and lots of cheering.

MMCBGC Seniors Sha’mirra LaGuins, Seth Robertson, and Ar’Mond Wright were all three shocked to see familiar faces show up at their homes to celebrate their recent graduation. 

“These youth have worked hard for this moment in their lives and we care deeply about acknowledging and celebrating their bright futures ahead,” Brian Alexander, MMCBGC Teen Director, shared. “Being able to see their faces light up as we brought their graduate sign was a highlight for me.”

Each youth shared the Club’s meaning during their socially distance surprise. 

Seth Robertson shared that the Club’s programs offered him “a foundation of professionalism and life skills from money management to networking.”

“I’ll always remember Passport to Manhood,” Seth shared. “It taught me a lot about what it means to be man. Mr. Bob Mackey taught us a lot during our passport to Passport to Manhood sessions. I learned how to carry myself as professional at a young age, and I still use those skills to this day. I learned how to tie a tie, about money management and many things about business etiquette. I learned skills I don’t think I would have been able to acquire anywhere else but the Club. The last ten years at MMCBGC have been so good for me.”

Alexander shared that Seth is a born leader within the Morgan County community.

“He loves to mentor young Club members and volunteers his time at the Club,” he shared. “His positive attitude is infectious within our Club environment and with fellow teens.”

Sha’mirra LaGuins, a MMCBGC member for 12 years, shared one of her favorite programs from the Club was Keystone. 

“Keystone gave me the opportunity to do Meals on Wheels and give back to those who needed food, as well as spend time with nursing home residents who just needed a friend,” she shared. “These opportunities taught me a lot about gratitude and how important giving toward our community truly is.”

Sha’mirra shared that overall the Club offered her the love and support she thought she was never going to receive in her life. “The Club has supported and loved me from kindergarten all the way to this moment as I prepare to go to college,” she shared “It means the world.”

Alexander shared that Sha’mirra has shown tremendous growth over the years.

“When I first met Sha’Mirria, she was shy person and she didn’t say much. As I watched her grow, she has blossomed into this amazing person that is outgoing and confident. She is a role model student that loves to help others.  She has also displayed great confidence and leadership qualities as a YEP Junior staff, she was a phenomenal staff at the Club. The younger members look up to her.”

Ar’mond Wright, a member for 10 years, shared the Club has taught him how to develop and maintain healthy relationships through being named Youth of the Year.

“The Youth of The Year Program is a phenomenal, and it helped me to work on my public speaking. I wasn’t confident about presenting in front of a group, but the training helped me to develop my confidence to a high level,” he shared. “I was able to develop creative thinking skills and what types of relationships to create for my future.”

Wright added the Club has served as a second home for him. “Once you step into the Club it’s like a different world. Your dreams matter here and you’re always learning something new.”

Alexander shared that Wright has the ability to make people feel special.

“Ar’mond is an awesome young man with a bright future ahead of him,” he shared. “He has a big heart and wants to see others around him be successful as well.”

Each MMCBGC Senior will be attending college this year. They were also recently inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni and Friends program as alumnus of MMCBGC. 

“Once a Club Kid, always a Club kid is a promise to our youth that we will always be a home for them,” Alexander shared. “We’re here to ensure their success for life.”

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

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.

WCBGC Engages Club Youth Virtually

For the last several weeks Walton County Boys & Girls Club has hosted a series of virtual programming connection calls. Club members have eagerly attended connection calls to learn about things like digital literacy, a website coding class and friendly typing competitions.

“Our Club members have completed STEM projects like Magic Breaking Pencil, an exercise that teaches the effects of changing environments,” Michelle Hollins, WCBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Members have enjoyed virtual chess games together and an art session where we all painted along to a particular activity. It’s been so great to continue our programming virtually with our youth.”

Natalie Boswell, a WCBGC parent, shared on Facebook her appreciation for the Club’s virtual contribution.

“Walton County Boys & Girls Club has poured into my babies for the last six years. I can't imagine who they would be without all the love and encouragement from the leaders and mentors over the years,” Boswell wrote. “I am one grateful Mama! Thank you for all you do. We do miss you and can't wait until you reopen.”

Club members also shared their gratitude for virtual programming.

“I loved the paint party and I enjoyed the coding activities too,” Gabrielle Boswell, WCBGC Club member shared. “My brother and I had a lot of fun with the chess 101 activity too!”

For Club member Daniel Richard he enjoyed the typing competitions most. 

“NitroType is one of my favorite games,” he shared. “I am really good at typing and it's fun to be able to play against the staff.”

Hollins shared Club staff have enjoyed being able to bring Club youth together virtually during this time.

 “We’re committed to doing whatever it takes to serve our youth and our virtual programming is a part of that commitment,” she shared. “We’ve enjoyed seeing the youth engage with one another and their activities.”

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

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.