Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (BGCLB), Canyon branch, presented the first annual “AZUL Leadership Awards” during the Youth of the Year Awards ceremony on February 2, 2018. These distinguished awards recognize the staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership beyond their position description and through accountable measures in their daily performance in 2017. AZUL stands for: “Be the ChAnge. Embody your ideals and set the cascade of transformation in motion. Empower PoZitivity. Positive mind, positive vibes, and positive life – We strive to create an environment that allows our members to make positive choices. YoUth-Centric. Embrace chaLlenges that leAd to a better experience for the kidZ and empower them to explore, discover, fail, and learn. If a kid can do it, a kid shoULd do it. EmbrAce DiverZity. Foster a cULture of respect, equAlity and incluZiveness, and celebrate that we are all Unique beings. Creative Togetherness. The sum of the parts (Innovation + CoLlaboration) equal more than each quality on its own.
Staff had the opportunity to nominate their peers for these awards as a reflection on how they work, live and breathe these values to attain the Club’s goals each day. “Our impact in providing creative and innovative programs in a safe, fun and engaging atmosphere is priceless for our youth,” states BGCLB Chief Operations Officer, Addie McHale, who also delivered the awards to the recipients. She adds, “It takes each and every single member of our staff to bring our mission to fruition, and we are thrilled to have an avenue that enables staff to recognize their own team members for exceeding expectations in so many honorable ways, making these awards extra special.”
2017 Award Winners
Rising Star: SOPHIA ABJUGA
Lang Unit Coordinator and a former a youth development professional, she (in less than 18 months) has demonstrated the desire to learn their new role, is approachable and friendly, participates with activities/meetings/events, and is involved with planning, safety, housekeeping and organizational improvements while embracing the mission.
Azul Spirit: MAR STASH
Fine Arts Youth Development Professional/Creative Marketing Coordinator at Bluebird Branch, Mar Stash consistently exhibits a positive, spirited “can-do” attitude and outlook, GREAT energy and enthusiasm that colleagues, club members, and volunteers (and others) alike find contagious and uplifting. Mar is the person that people are drawn to get the job done, and receive a motivational pep talk or a high five!
Most Valuable Professional: CAITLIN RELLER
Art Expressions Director at the Canyon Branch, Caitlin Reller embraces impact, service, dedication, professionalism, accountability, and compassion in dealing with internal or external customers (staff, kids, parents, partners, volunteers, guests, donors). In addition, Caitlin inspires an overall sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence that leads to a welcoming club/organization environment.
Making Others Great: JESUS VILLEGAS
Program Development Director at the Canyon Branch, Jesus Villegas exemplifies the kind of collaboration, teamwork, and respect it takes to make others great! He leads by example, is passionate about the mission and helping their fellow employees succeed and reach their goals.
We are thrilled to announce these winners and welcome the community to congratulate them on their achievements. For more information, contact Addie McHale at (949) 715-7669. To become a member, call (949) 494-2535 or go to www.bgclagunabeach.org.
About The Club
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach service area includes Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest and the surrounding communities, and occupies three sites in Laguna Beach: Canyon Branch, Bluebird Branch, and Lang Branch. Together, they offer a nationally recognized and award-winning year-round Out-of-School enrichment program that focuses on the whole family. From preschool to parenting classes, The Boys & Girls Club offers an array of services that focus on; academic success, good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles and creative expression. Being an indispensable asset to the families of our community is a Boys & Girls Club time-honored tradition. For over 60 years, The Boys & Girls Club strives to support the youth of Laguna Beach throughout of school recreation that celebrates the whole child.
For more information about The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org or call (949) 494-2535.
