WHAT WE DO

CLUB MISSION

To attract, continually engage, and inspire youth in elementary, middle and high school, to realize their full potential by mentoring, modeling good character, and delivering relevant structured enrichment programs, in a safe, positive environment.

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1112 NW Circle Blvd • Corvallis, Oregon 97330 • 541.757.1909 • www.bgccorvallis.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB NEWS OF CORVALLIS

SPRING 2015

» Character & Leadership Programs

» Health & Life Skills

» Academic Success & Career Development

» Arts Programs

» Sports & Recreation

» After-school programs for 2,350 K-12th grade members

» Annual outreach to 10,000 youth

» 600 meals served each day

» Operate STARS program in elementary schools

» Membership fee is only $25 a year

» Actual cost to serve a child in Clubhouse is $1,500 a year

Newsletter printed with appreciation to the

OF CORVALLIS

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1

Nelly Blancas, a Crescent Valley High School senior, left few dry eyes in the audience as she shared her inspirational story at the 2015 All Service Clubs & Youth of the Year luncheon on Friday, February 27th. Over 150 Service Club members were able to witness Nelly share her touching personal story and watch her win the 2015 Youth of the Year award. Nelly will advance to the State Youth of the Year competition in March to compete against seven other candidates from Oregon to move on to the regional competition.

Keynote speaker Marianne Vydra, the Senior Associate Athletic Director at OSU thanked the service club members for the positive impact they have on our community to make Corvallis a welcoming and safe community for the student athletes who come to the University from around the nation and the world.

Nelly’s accomplishments include hundreds of hours of volunteerism, participating in the teen employment program and she is the President of the Keystone Leadership Club. In the fall she plans to attend Western Oregon University and plans to study criminal justice in order to become an FBI agent. The $5,000 Dr. Bob & Billie Holcomb Family Scholarship was presented to Nelly in honor of her first place achievement. The Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis took the opportunity to honor Bob Holcomb, who peacefully passed away on February 24th, for the positive impact the Holcomb family has and will continue to have on our community’s youth.

Nelly Blancas Named 2015 Youth of the Year

OF CORVALLIS

Nelly Blancas, BGCC Youth of the Year, and Helen Higgins, BGCC CEO

Contestants: Bianca Pulido, Cristian Guerrero, and Nelly Blancas

Runner up Cristian Guerrero, a senior at Corvallis High School who plans to attend LBCC in the fall, received the Pastega Family Foundation Scholarship. Ken Pastega surprised the candidates by increasing the award from $1,000 to $2,500. Bianca Pulido, a senior at College Hill High School who will attend LBCC in the fall and work towards her law degree to become an immigration lawyer, won the Corvallis Elks Club scholarship. Steve Redman, representing the Corvallis Elks Club, followed suit by increasing the 3rd place award from $500 to $1,000. In addition to their scholarships, each of these nominees also received a laptop computer courtesy of presenting sponsor Edward Jones. Additional luncheon sponsors included the Benton Community Foundation, Pacific Power, and Town & Country Realty.

The candidates were required to write three essays on the topics of community engagement, character, and overcoming obstacles, and create and deliver a three minute speech to the competition judges: LBCC President Greg Hamann, Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, business owner Dawn Duerksen, retired school teacher Carol Kronstad and Benton County Judge Locke Williams.

CEO Helen Higgins said the Youth of the Year competition is a tangible example of the many life enhancing opportunities provided to teens at the Club.

Foundation Name Program/Project FundedThe Autzen Foundation T3: Training Teens for Tomorrow, Teen Academic & Career Success Program

Taco Bell Graduate for Más Scholarships for SAT & College Application Fees

Jubitz Family Foundation Project Learn, Academic Enrichment Program for Grades 1-5

Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation Healthy Habits Nutrition Lab/ T3: Training Teens for Tomorrow

Soroptimist International of Corvallis Lady Robotics, Middle School Girls Lego Robotics Team

Umpqua Bank Community Giving Project Learn, Academic Enrichment Program for Grades 1-5

US Bank Foundation Project Learn, Academic Enrichment Program for Grades 1-5

Pacific Source Foundation for Health Improvement Johnson Dental Clinic & Parent Dental Days

Meyer Memorial Trust Middle & High School Retention & Career Preparation

The Collins Foundation Art Coordinator & Teen Gallery/Design Center Curriculum Development

GRANTS AWARDED!Thank you to the following foundations:

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CORVALLIS SPRING 2015

The Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis hosted a state-wide youth leadership conference for Boys & Girls Club Keystone members on February 20-21. Keystone is a unique leadership development experience designed for high school youth providing activities in three focus areas - academic success, career preparation and community service.

The Club hosted over 100 Boys & Girls Club members from around the State including participants from Coos Bay, Albany, Salem, Portland, Woodburn, and Corvallis. Keystone members participated in a fun evening at the Club on Friday night (ice breakers, movie...) and a day of breakout sessions on the OSU campus focused on leadership skills and important subjects that affect their lives. Saturday was highlighted by an opening address from State Senator Sara Gelser and a lunch time address from Linn-Benton Community College President Greg Hamann.

State Senator Sara Gelser’s talk encouraged young people to speak up. Sara was in her 20’s and the mother of four children when she won a seat in the Oregon State Legislature. “No one should tell you that you are not ready yet to lead. I have seen young people make real change. You are the people that will make our communities better.”

Sara also talked about the value of teamwork. “Leaders can’t do anything without their team. Take care of your team, be gracious, listen to people, be honest, consistent, direct and transparent.”

LBCC President Greg Hamann told the group that “the world is changed by people like you who decide to do something...the question is how do you make sure your impact is the best it can be?” Greg shared three suggestions. “Be yourself...take what you might think is your weakness and turn it into an asset. Build relationships...building relationships gives you the power to change things. And make sure your purpose is worthy...the hard work is actually getting people to learn that they can trust you.”

Greg is also the Board Chair for the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis. “The Boys & Girls Club is committed to the concept that everyone has an opportunity to succeed. My purpose is to make that opportunity real for everyone. That is why I am here. That is why you are here. You have the capacity to change the world. Do it in ways that matter.”

Congratulations to Teen Center Manager Chris Clark for his vision and leadership in hosting this inspiring opportunity!

CLUB HOSTS STATE-WIDE HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Thank you sponsors:

Sara Gelser, Oregon State SenatorChris Clark, Teen Center Manager, and Greg Hamann, LBCC President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thank you to our Board of Directors who donate their time to serve youth in our community.

OFFICERS President Greg Hamann

Secretary/TreasurerBrian Robertson

DIRECTORSKevin BogatinAlexandra EderSara GelserJanelle IversonBre Kerkvliet Carol KronstadDarin McLemoreBill MercerKaren MisfeldtKen RobbleeMatthew SmithRyan Sparks, DMDTerry ThompsonScott Travelstead, DMD

Honorary MembersTom AhlersJohn GriesmeyerDr. Ken JohnsonPatrice DavisBarte Starker

Chief Executive OfficerHelen Higgins

OF CORVALLIS

CLUB VISION

All of our members graduate from high school, are work and college ready with skills that enable them to be self-sufficient, have a clear plan for their future, live a healthy lifestyle, and are responsible, caring citizens.

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CORVALLIS

PROVIDING CONSISTENCY & CONTINUITY FROM AGE 6-18

Training Teens for TomorrowPreparing High School Students for Success

T3: Training Teens for Tomorrow helps teens reach critical milestones such as graduation and first time employment. T3’s phased approach to career exploration and emerging technology prepares teens with 21st Century skills and helps them define a clear path for their future with the skills, tools and financial resources to get there.

Preparing Middle School Youth for Success Developing Self Confidence and ResiliencyProviding middle school youth with positive opportunities to develop their social skills, build their emotional intelligence, and support academic proficiency that will generate the momentum to excel in high school.

Preparing Elementary Children for Success Building Solid Foundations

Think BIG prepares 1st - 5th grade youth with an academic foundation of reading and readiness in combination with good habits and skills to excel at home, in school and prepare them for middle school.

WHAT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CORVALLIS IS ALL ABOUT.

OUR VISION IS FOCUSED ON WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE FOR YOUTH

The Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis is fortunate to have a wonderful group of community leaders who volunteer their time to serve on the Club’s Board of Directors. In January, the Board spent time reworking the vision for the Club. Our new vision statement is focused on what we want to achieve for youth in our community. In this 21st century, it is critically important that “All of our members graduate from high school.” As we attract more high school youth to the Club each day, we continue to achieve a record of 100% of our high school members graduating. Our members “are work and college ready with skills that enable them to be self-sufficient.” The Club provides mentoring and homework help and brings in community experts to help with life skills and self confidence. Our members “have a clear path for the future.” Members are encouraged to explore opportunities for their future which might include

college preparation or a better understanding of the trades and vocational opportunities. Our goal is that each member has spent time looking at opportunities and gaining a better understanding of the path that is best for them. Our members will “live a healthy lifestyle.” The Club offers a nutritional meal each day as well as dental services and a focus on healthy habits and behaviors. And it is our Club’s vision that our members “are responsible, caring citizens.” The Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis is invested in the success of youth in our community. Having a clear vision of what we want to achieve helps us to build the programs that will help all of our members achieve their GREAT FUTURES!

Helen Higgins, CEO

This fun-filled tournament will be held on

Friday, June 26th at Trysting Tree Golf Club

11:30 am Registration 1:00 pm Shotgun Start » 5:15 pm Dinner

Title Sponsor:

YOU ARE INVITED...

CELEBRATE KIDS 2015 FUNDRAISING

BREAKFAST Friday, May 15th

7:30 am at the Club

Keynote Speaker: Wayne Tinkle,OSU Men’s Basketball Coach

UPCOMING EVENTSTHANK YOU SPONSORS:

17th Annual Summer Golf Classic

Join us for these

VOLL

EYBA

LLLANDSCAPINGIRRIGATION &MAINTENANCE

(541) 753-6154www.bjturf.com

The Robblee Agency

BASK

ETBA

LLFL

AG F

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TBAL

LCH

EER

GIVE A GIFT TODAY! www.bgccorvallis.org/give

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2015BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CORVALLIS