Boys & Girls Clubs of America held its annual conference last week in New Orleans, LA. The conference was officially launched by BGCA Chairman Emil Brolick (COO of Yum! Brands, Inc.) as he greeted attendees. Sharing her vision for the Boys & Girls Club Movement, BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett discussed the work of the National Commission on Impact and its recommendations to achieve deeper, Movement-wide impact for the youth we serve.

“The National Commission counseled us that at the heart of this vision is our Club Experience, and that the greatest impact lies not in curriculums and structured programs alone, but in the fabric of the everyday Club Experience,” said Spillett during the opening session.

Representatives from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands were there to hear the message, and also to attend powerful workshops and and educational sessions. Along with great insights and rekindled passions, they brought back with them two national awards presented to BGCM at the conference.

The first was the Merit Award for Program Excellence for Overall Program for Clubs with budgets less than $500,000, presented to the Carter Lake Unit. This means the Carter Lake Unit is one of the top two Clubs within the entire BGC Movement. Over 4,000 units from across the country competed for this honor.

The second award received was a Bronze Marketing & Communications (MAC) Award for Comprehensive Marketing Strategy. BGCM received this award for excellence in overall marketing, communications and development strategy, including its use of direct mail and email communications; special event fundraising and promotion; and social media strategy. This is BGCM’s fifth MAC Award and the first in the Comprehensive Marketing Strategy classification.

Jay, a nine-year Carter Lake Club member and senior at Thomas Jefferson HS, recently received 1st place regional Club honors for his work in Design Tech, a component of the Club’s Digital Arts program. Jay’s task was to select a Club role model, and using electronic drafting and design programs, create a billboard depicting the impact that role model as had on their life and the lives of other in the Club. Jay selected Julie Gass, Education Program Director at the Carter Lake Unit.

Congratulations to Jay from everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands

On Thursday, March 11^th, Chancellor Smith was named Nebraska Youth of the Year before a group of Club dignitaries, state senators, Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy, friends and family. Cameron Crockrom, a member of the Offutt AFB Boys & Girls Club, received runner-up honors.

For Chancellor, Cameron and Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands YOY finalists, Jerry Geho and Brad Herring, it was a whirlwind day. At 9:00 am the candidates gave their speeches in front of a panel of judges. While the judges deliberated, Chancellor, Cameron, Jerry and Brad joined members of the Lincoln, Grand Island and Winnebago Clubs at the Nebraska State Capital to be applauded by members of the Unicam.

Following their time observing Nebraska senators debate current issues, the candidates walked across the street to the Governor’s Mansion for a luncheon in their honor. After Chancellor and Cameron were given the opportunity to speak directly to the group in attendance, Lt. Governor Sheehy stepped to the front of the room and announced Chancellor as the State’s winner.

Chancellor’s next stop is the Regional Youth of the Year Competition in Chicago this July. There he will compete against other state winners from across the Midwest Region for a $10,000 college scholarship and a chance to compete  for the national honor in Washington, DC.

Click here for more event photos.

Congratulations to Shannon, a 10 year old member of the North Omaha Unit, for winning a gold medal at the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympics in Greensboro, NC. Shannon clocked a 13.49 second 100-meter dash to take home the first gold medal won by a member of the Jaguars track team in the program’s 11 year history. He went on to take home a second (bronze) medal in the 200 meter as well.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is very proud of Shannon and the rest of the Jaguars track & field team for their hard work and success in the 2009 season. Way to go Jags!

Tom, a 4 year member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands—Westside Unit has been named the Youth of the Year for the state of Nebraska by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).  In addition to winning this prestigious title, Tom has also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.  He is among hundreds of Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.  This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

“Tom and all Youth of the Year nominees are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are fulfilling their mission of inspiring and enabling young people,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, BGCA.  “We are most appreciative to the Reader’s Digest Foundation for their long-time support of our Youth of the Year program and for helping Club members attain their goals.

”This summer, Tom will compete against other youth from states located in BGCA’s Midwest Region.  If named regional winner, he will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship and advance to the national competition in Washington.  The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President Barack Obama during a ceremony in the Oval Office.