Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama honors employees, volunteers, and community activists its annual Board Installation Ceremony and Luncheon
Awards for employees, volunteers, community activists, and supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama.
Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama honored employees, volunteers, community activists, and supporters for their immeasurable contributions at its annual Board Meeting October 22 at Heron Lakes Country Club.
Board Members Catherine Spann received New Board Member of the Year honors, and Ham McGuire took Board Member of the Year. Spann for her work to engage the Mobile Bar Association and the Fuse Project with the Clubs and McGuire for his leadership as Co-Chairman of the Lexus Mayors Cup Golf Tournament. He actively worked to increase participation.
Robbie Brown, the owner of Brown Trucking company, was named the Program Volunteer of the Year for donating his time and talent to keep the Club school bus operable. “We can’t thank Brown Trucking enough for stepping up to the plate for youth in our community,” Wills said.
Nonnie Parker and Helen Lewis received the Owen B. Gaston Part-Time Employees of the Year for BGCSA and P.OI.N.T.E. Academy. Parker’s recognized for her 13 years of service and relentless efforts in inspiring Optimist Boys and Girls Club kids to do their best academically while providing programming that’s fun and engaging for all. Lewis is known as a compassionate educator and supportive colleague at P.O.I.N.T.E. Academy. She works diligently with students and creates a welcoming and supportive environment conducive to learning.
BGCSA Rosa Monteiro and P.O.I.N.T.E. Academy’s Bretland Williams received Full-Time Employees of the Year awards. Monteiro’s recognized for spreading reading literacy through her Let’s Read Mobile initiative. She uses fun and creative ways to encourage youth to read. Williams’s persistence in ensuring the safety and well-being of the staff and students and building maintenance and grounds afford him top honors. He’s very organized, reliable and goes out of his way to see that teachers and staff have what they need to run P.O.I.N.T.E. Academy.
Luncheon was served for the employees, volunteers and Board Members at Heron Lakes County Club
For their contributions and support of the BGCSA, Airbus Engineering, WKRG (Our City Our Future Telethon), James McKinnis, and Quincy Campbell received 2021 Appreciation Awards.
Six organizations received the Helping Hands Award. Executive Women International for their advocacy for reading literacy and facilitating the Reading Rally; Greg Cyprian, former Director of Community Events for the City of Mobile and founder of Steppin’ Out News and Legacy 166 for promoting the arts, culture, and educational opportunities to children and youth; Gulf Distributing Company for contributions to the annual Mayors Cup Golf Tournament; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Delta Theta Omega Chapter) for volunteering and supporting the reading and girls programs; Boule Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity for actively supporting the Clubs; Demetrius Smith and ICU Counseling & Mental Health Support Services for investing in mental health for youth through one-on-one and group counseling sessions, life coaching, and entrepreneurship.
Lawrence Battiste, Executive Director of Public Safety for the City of Mobile
Man & Youth Awards were given to Rep. Chris Pringle and Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste. Rep. Pringle, Alabama State Representative who serves as the State Government Chair, received honors for his enduring commitment and generous contributions to Boys & Girls Club youth. Director Battiste, a 28-year veteran in law enforcement, was recognized for innovative youth initiatives such as Families in Transition, Cops ‘n Kids, and Coffee with a Cop. These programs foster healthy relationships and improve communication between law enforcement and Club youth.
Sen. Vivian Figures and Carol Miller, BGCSA Human Resources (retired), received the Women & Youth Awards. Sen. Figures, a member of the Alabama Senate, serves on the Rules, Finance & Taxation-Education and serves as the Local Legislation Mobile County Committee Chair was recognized for her active involvement and support of Boys & Girls Clubs. Miller was acknowledged for immeasurable contributions and countless hours and weekends revamping the entire HR department, including revising 200 plus pages of policy, employee handbook, job descriptions, and improved processes to make BGCSA more efficient.
Five companies and organizations were honored with the Champion of Youth Award. Lexus of Mobile was honored for their support through the Lexus Mayors Cup Golf Tournament, which has generated more than $1.5 Million to support Club programs and workforce development scholarships at Bishop State. The Lions Club of Mobile for its work with the visually impaired and volunteering to provide eye screenings for youth at all Clubs during the summer. Hargrove Engineering was recognized for its support of STEM education. Their support provided a partnership with the Exploreum Museum to provide mobile STEM classes throughout our summer program at all clubs. Kiwanis Club of Mobile was acknowledged for hosting their annual I’m Special Trip. Club members receiving straight A’s and perfect attendance were treated to a day of fun, food, and gifts at amusement parks or other venues. Mobile Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section supports the Clubs through its annual Trivia Night and Golf Tournament.
R. Wilson Leadership Award was given to Dr. Lynda Carroll for her unwavering support of Boys & Girls Club and outstanding leadership as a Board member. New Board Chairman Todd L. Denison; Phelps Dunbar, LLP presented Carroll with the honor.
For more information about donating, volunteering or participating in the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama, visit bgcsouthal.org or call 251-432-1235.
