Boys & Girls Club honors star youngsters during awards night
By Patrick Lynn
Exceptional youngsters from the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County were honored at the annual BGC Awards Night on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the UW-Stevens Point Dreyfus University Center.
A record 375 guests attended to celebrate.
The Boys & Girls Club honors one youth at each of its Club sites monthly, with all being recognized during an annual BGC Awards Night.
This year’s theme, “Heroes of Tomorrow, Honored Today,” spotlighted remarkable accomplishments of youth who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, leadership, and resilience at each Club site. Every Youth of the Month, as well as Mark Toyota of Plover’s Artists of the Month, were celebrated and given their awards.
The Boys & Girls Club Junior Youths of the Year, Joey Visger and Addison Helton, were chosen for demonstrating leadership, outstanding behavior, and for being examples of excellence. This year’s Youth of the Year, Zuri Hebblewhite, was recognized for her continuous commitment to the Club and community and was honored with a $2,000 scholarship for her post-secondary education.
The Boys & Girls Club also honored Volunteer of the Year Jeanne Koepke, Community Partner of the Year UWSP Literacy Lab, and Program of the Year Hmong Jumpstart Program. Staff were recognized, including Youth Development Professional of the Year Emma Kaweleski, Professional Staff of the Year Linda Hull, and employee scholarship winners Ruthie Zahm and Hanna Stremkowski.
The Boys & Girls Club’s sponsors, including CoVantage Credit Union, Sentry Insurance, Mark Toyota of Plover, Regnier Consulting Group, and Simplicity Credit Union, made the BGC Awards Night event possible and memorable.
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County expresses gratitude to the community for its ongoing support. This support contributes to the ongoing success and growth of these young individuals who are the Heroes of Tomorrow.
As these young people emerge as leaders at the Club and in their communities, the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County is excited to see what they will accomplish.
