Great Futures Gazette

SUMMER
2015
THE
GREAT FUTURES
GAZETTE
INSIDE
Letter From The National Youth Of The Year | Celebrating Our Graduates | BGCA Merit Award
LETTER FROM NATIONAL YOUTH
OF THE YEAR MARYAH SULLIVAN
Nothing is impossible with hard work! That is what being named the National Youth of
the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America has taught me. I have always had huge
dreams and aspirations, and I always knew that I had the potential to achieve those
goals. However, during my senior year of high school, I remember applying for my very
first scholarship. I also remember reading the email that read, “We are sorry to notify
you that you were not chosen for the award.” After this heartbreak in my life, a reality
hit. I realized that maybe I wasn’t as intelligent or great as I had thought. For this
reason, I went into the Youth of the Year competition very insecure. I didn’t think I was
great and I definitely didn’t believe that the judges would think I was great. Each time I
was chosen as the Youth of the Year at the different levels of the competition, there was a certain boost of confidence within my heart. I began to realize
my full potential, and I also began to realize that I had to use that failure in my life as a stepping stone toward the next challenge. Being named the Youth
of the Year taught me that success was not possible without hard work. I did not put all of my effort into applying for my first scholarship, and for that
reason, I did not succeed.
Being named the National Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Club of America also taught me that I was not alone. I realized at each level of the competition
that there were other Club kids out there like me who went through unfortunate circumstances, but still felt as though they had a purpose in this world.
During this journey I met so many wonderful youth and people who did nothing less than support me and push me along the way. I would not have made
it this far without their assistance. For that, I thank them.
Because I was blessed with so many opportunities and gifts for my accomplishments, I felt the need to give back and spread inspiration to other Club kids.
I use my position as the Youth of the Year as a platform for my voice to be heard. I want all young people around the world to know that their circumstances
do not define their futures. Many youth are faced with unfortunate lifestyle issues on a daily basis. Most of the problems they face have nothing to do with
them—being poor, living in a single-parent home or being homeless. I do not see the world through rose-colored glasses. I’m fully aware of the usual
pitfalls of a young black teenager growing up in an impoverished community and single-parent home. But I know that all is not gloom and doom. I use my
situations to better myself so that my peers and the children of my community can see that you don’t succumb to the bleakness of your surroundings. My
purpose is to make a better living for children who grow up in similar circumstances as me. Being named the Youth of the Year has given me the opportunity
to fulfill this purpose.
To the future Youth of the Year, I would like to say one thing: nothing is impossible with hard work and don’t take anything for granted! I wish you the best
in all of your endeavors, and I hope you make the most of the blessings that will come your way. Good luck!
With Love,
During the past year, Maryah has served as a strong voice for the more than 4 million Boys & Girls Club members
across the nation. As her tenure comes to an end, we know she will continue to advocate for youth who come
from difficult life circumstances like she did.
GREAT FUTURES START HERE.
WALT DISNEY WORLD CLUBHOUSE
RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD
The Walt Disney World Clubhouse received a Merit Award for Excellence from Boys & Girls Clubs of America at
this year’s National Conference. The “Travels Through Ancient Egypt” program offered last summer was honored
as one of the top arts initiatives in the country and earned the Club $2,500 from the MetLife Foundation.
During the 10-week project, Club members had the opportunity to delve into history by immersing themselves
in the world of ancient Egypt. Youth transformed their new knowledge into works of art including jewelry and
pottery that were on display at their Egyptian marketplace. Teens discovered the mysteries of mythology and
produced an original play that explored the legends and culture of the faraway land. The program culminated
with an end-of-summer celebration featuring pyramids as tall as the ceiling, elaborate costumes and great
performances from everyone involved.
Congratulations to the Walt Disney World Clubhouse on this outstanding accomplishment.
TOPTECH RENOVATES EAST ALTAMONTE CLUB TEEN ROOM
The teen room at our East Altamonte Branch looks brand new thanks to our
generous supporters at Toptech Systems! The $51,000 renovation helped
bring in new teen Club members and created a space that is conducive to
learning and career planning.
The complete makeover included a fresh paint job, new furniture and
storage options. The room was outfitted with brand new computers and
state-of-the-art computer accessories such as headphones, digital sketch
pads and software. Large televisions are perfect for practicing school
presentations and built-in work stations are great places to study and work
on special projects.
The renovation would not have been possible without our friends at Toptech
Systems. Not only did their parent company, IDEX Corporation, approve the
funds necessary for the teen room makeover, but Toptech Systems employees
handled all aspects of the project including design, purchasing supplies,
managing volunteers and more.
Thank you to our friends at Toptech Systems!
BGCCF CELEBRATES HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
As another school year comes to a close, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is reminded of the great academic success our high
school seniors have experienced and the big plans they have for the future. Some Club members will continue their educations at
two- and four-year universities, others will represent our country in the U.S. military and still others will enter the workforce.
Regardless of their next steps, we know they will make us proud as BGCCF alumni.
98% of high school seniors successfully earned their high school diplomas.
Ten high school seniors are attending universities on four-year scholarships.
Three high school seniors have joined the U.S. Military.
97% of high school seniors say Club programming helped them plan their futures.
90% of high school graduates have post-secondary educational plans.
Graduates are attending schools all over the country including schools in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia.
Graduates plan on majoring in a wide variety of fields including anthropology, criminal justice, biology, engineering and culinary arts.
Kendrick, our 2015 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year, is attending Florida A&M University to study accounting.
BIRDIES FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS
RAISES OVER $30,000
On May 29, Northern Star Generation Services hosted the Birdies for Boys & Girls Clubs golf
tournament for the fifth time. Teams from all over the community traveled to Falcon’s Fire Golf
Course to show their support for our organization. Proceeds topped all previous records with
$31,175 raised for our local Clubs.
We are so grateful to our partners at Northern Star Generation Services for their continued
support. They have raised a total of over $127,000 for our youth through their golf tournaments.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the big day. Special thanks to the Plant Managers
who hosted the event and ensured that 100 percent of the funds will directly benefit our Club
members.
To see photos from the event, visit our BGCCF Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bgccf.
WEST SANFORD CLUB MEMBER RECOGNIZED AS
DREAMER AND DOER BY WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Travis, a Club member at our West Sanford Branch, was recently selected as the Disney Dreamer and Doer
Shining Star for Seminole County at the middle school level. This prestigious honor is awarded by Walt
Disney World Resort and recognizes students who consistently make a positive impact on others and
demonstrate outstanding strength of character.
In his essay submission, Travis describes a speech he wrote called “Don’t Let Your Past
Determine Your Future.” He discusses using his speech to encourage other young people
who are surrounded by negative influences to overcome their challenges. His goals truly
illustrate his drive and desire to help people.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is extremely proud of Travis for making a difference
not only at his Club, but also in the entire community.
COUNTY TO COUNTY UPDATES
Brevard County
Fourteen Club members from our Cocoa Branch were invited to the 2015 Agency Honor
Awards Ceremony by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. The teens traveled to Kennedy
Space Center and attended the prestigious event, which honored certain NASA employees
for their dedication and service to NASA’s mission. During the ceremony, Mr. Bolden
thanked the Cocoa Branch for the impact our Club members are making in Brevard County
and specifically recognized Tamara, the Cocoa Club’s 2015 Youth of the Year. “You are the
special space generation,” he said. “You are the ones who are actually going to go to Mars.”
After the reception, Club members were treated to a tour of Kennedy Space Center.
Orange County
Osceola County
Female Club members at our After School Zone sites have
been preparing for the future with our G3 – Girls
Groomed for Greatness program. Informative workshops,
caring mentors and inspiring community service projects
equipped participants with the skills, attitudes and
opportunities to be successful women. The highlight of the
program was a visit from WFTV news reporter Janai
Norman. She spoke to over 80 girls about life as a TV
reporter and the importance of continuing education.
Our Tupperware Brands Branch celebrated academic achievements in an
“incredible” way this year! The Club hosted an award ceremony with a “The
Incredibles Make An Impact” theme that encouraged youth to continue their
dedication to academic success. Children were awarded for receiving an A grade
in areas of math, science and reading and for finishing the school year with a 3.5
or higher GPA. Both parents and staff were proud to see so many of our members
recognized for their great accomplishments.
Seminole County
In May, our Seminole County Board Members teamed up with the very
generous Alaqua Lakes Ladies Association to host the BE GREAT Gala.
Dining, dancing and auctions made for a fun night and the event netted
over $45,000 to benefit our Seminole County Clubs. Thank you to Bob
and Diane Dello Russo for opening up their home for the event!
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
FACES
OF
THE
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 1695
ORLANDO FLORIDA
FUTURE
F U N D R A I S I N G B R E A K FA S TS
2 0 1 5
P.O. Box 2987
Orlando, FL 32802
SAVE THE DATE
Brevard County: September 17
Seminole County: October 7
Osceola County: TBD
Regional: November 12
Joe R. Lee Branch: November 20
Orange County: December 3
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SUPPORT OUR CLUB MEMBERS WITH A THRIFT STORE DONATION
Consider supporting our Central Florida Clubs by donating to the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Central Florida Thrift Store. Potential items for donation include the following:
Home, office and patio furniture • Clothing, shoes and accessories
Housewares and linens • Books and audio books • CDs, DVDs and records
Seasonal décor • Toys and games
Have anything to donate? Stop by our Syd & Marianne Levy Service Center to drop off
items or contact us to arrange a large-item pickup time that works for you. Please
contact Patti Johnson at thriftstore@bgccf.org or 407.841.6855 ext. 133 with any
questions.
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from
disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
www.bgccf.org | 407.841.6855