Jamarr, a standout Club member and Southeast High School graduate, was awarded the scholarship during a surprise ceremony at his school on April 16. Theodore “Teddy” Mejeur, Territory General Manager for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, delivered the exciting news in front of an audience that included Jamarr’s mother, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County staff, and proud school faculty.
We’re thrilled to announce that Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has received the highest national honor from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)—Champion for Youth—for our outstanding advocacy on behalf of young people.
At the recent virtual Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Mr. Thomas A. Moseley, Esq. was recognized with the presentation of the National Silver Medallion from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This prestigious award is given to board members and other volunteers who have provided outstanding and exemplary service to a Boys & Girls Club and to the Movement in a specific area or region. Mr. Moseley has been involved with the Manatee County Clubs since 1982, serving on numerous boards and committees over the years.
Some of Moseley’s accomplishments include co-founding the Foundation for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and serving on both the statewide Area Council for Boys & Girls Clubs and the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Under his leadership as President with the Florida Alliance, he was instrumental in overseeing legislative efforts in securing over $24 million in funding for Clubs across the state. During his time with the Florida Alliance board, more than $64 million has been secured to assist youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
In addition to raising significant revenues for the mission of the Clubs at a statewide level, Tom has been an advocate and champion at a local level. Some of his endeavors include chairing fundraising events, leading the Endowment Committee to establish a Legacy Club for planned giving purposes, raising funds to establish teen programs at several Club locations, and coaching baseball for several years.
“Mr. Moseley’s leadership and dedication has been an essential part of the success of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. His additional support at a state level has had a tremendous impact in our ability to serve those who need us most,” said Dawn Stanhope, President & CEO. “We are very pleased to be able to celebrate Tom’s efforts with national recognition.”
The response to this surprise recognition was both moving and inspiring. Tom Moseley shared his appreciation for being recognized, noting he has met some of his best friends through his involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs and received, in return, much more than he has given in the various roles he has played over the years. He also stated, “I am proud to be involved in this Movement, as it truly is a collective group where everyone is moving in the same direction to improve the lives of youth.”
In an effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County will be opening the Palmetto and DeSoto Club locations to provide childcare for children ages 6-12 for essential healthcare workers and first responders. Thanks to the generosity of several supporters including United Way Suncoast and Manatee Community Foundation, these services will be provided at no cost to the family. While the Clubs remain closed for regular operations for members, this effort has been established to ensure that our community can respond to critical childcare needs during this crisis.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County will be strictly following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Florida Department of Health’s guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all participants as much as possible. Daily temperature checks and screening will be conducted upon arrival, programming will be administered in groups of 10 or less, social distancing and hand washing will be practiced regularly, materials will be designated to individual children rather than shared, and all spaces will be sanitized and disinfected throughout the day.
Existing Club member families who do not qualify for this program will still be able to stay connected to their Club staff during the school shutdown via programming being offered online. “During this challenging time, it’s vital that our youth feel supported and encouraged even if their regular routines have been shifted. We understand that the needs of families are greater now more than ever and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep everyone safe while providing service to our community,” stated Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s President & CEO, Dawn Stanhope.
Selected among two outstanding youth, Sandra Charles-Crowl was named the Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County at the 2020 Youth of the Year Celebration Dinner held at the IMG Academy Golf Club on Tuesday, February 25. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 73rd year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. Sandra received a $1,000 college scholarship and laptop, and will now contend for the Florida Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“We wish Sandy all of the best during her next step in vying for the Florida Youth of the Year in St. Petersburg in April,” said Dawn Stanhope, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.
Sandra has been a Club member for eleven years. She credits her Club with helping her improve her academics and encouraging her to step outside of her comfort zone. During her Club Experience, she has participated in Torch Club and Keystone Club, programs that focus on giving back and volunteering in the community. Sandra, now president of Keystone Club, has helped build bikes for foster children, pack hundreds of meals for the hungry and feed the homeless.
“When I first met her, she had some challenges in middle school just like any other middle school student,” recalls Leann Frink, Club Director. “Today, I see a totally different person. She has grown. She has matured. She doesn’t meet a stranger in the room. She has become someone that is looked up to by the other members of her Club. I am so proud of Sandy”
Charles-Crowl, a junior at Bayshore High School, has a 3.4 GPA and participates in varsity basketball and girls flag football. Her future plans include attending college and graduating with a degree that will allow her to become a surgical technician or pharmacist.
If Sandra is named the Florida Youth of the Year, she will contend for the title of Southeast Youth of the Year, which includes an additional $20,000 college scholarship. Six finalists will advance to Washington, D.C. in September 2020, to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000.