Photo From Left to Right: Bob Whalen, Board President, Diana Necula, 2009 Teen Youth of the Year, Megan Wilson, Teen Director, Pamela Estes, Executive Director.
Over 100 Boys & Girls Club members were recognized for their outstanding qualities, Wednesday night at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach Awards Ceremony which was held in the Laguna Beach High School Artist’s Theatre. Families were invited to attend this special event and recognize the important role their child plays at the Club. One member from each department was selected each month of 2009 for displaying character traits such as honesty, responsibility, and fairness. Out of 100 extraordinary young people that were recognized, only 3 members were selected as the Clubs Youth of the Year.
Bob Whalen, President of the BGCLB Board of Directors had the privilege of announcing Rachel Kenney, Jenna Recuparo, and Diana Necula as the 2009 Youths of the Year.
Whalen said that he felt quite confident in the future with these young people as leaders.
The Keynote Speaker for the evening was Kelsey LaRoche, the 2008 Teen Youth of the Year. Kelsey touched on her experiences at the Club and how the Club helped her to become the accomplished young lady that she is today. Kelsey said, “These children are not only our future; they are our right now!”
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach took this opportunity to thank their phenomenal volunteers and parents. Long time volunteer, Althea Usher, was awarded the Bronze Presidents Volunteer Award for her years of dedication and serving over 100 hours of community service at the clubs two branches. After thanking her for all she does for the children, she replied, “Oh, they do more for me than I can ever do for them!”
Parent of the Year Awards went to Missie Durant, mom of two TLC members and Irene Rojas, parent of a Main Branch member. They were thanked for their devotion to supporting the Club in every area from collecting donations to organizing service days
It was a wonderful evening and true testament to what the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is all about.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach provides over 30 engaging and enriching after school and summer programs that help build character, creativity, academic success, healthy behaviors and teamwork in young people. The Club serves young people ages 5-18 year olds from Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, and the surrounding communities. For more information, please call 949-494-2535.
