Recognition and Legacy: Celebrating Young Achievers and Honoring Decades of Leadership
What an evening under the Big Top as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis staged a dazzling 30th Annual Great Futures crowned the Youth of the Year and paid tribute to the retiring and the organization’s longtime leader, President Flint W. Fowler, PhD.
The spectacle was held on October 24 under The Big Top tent, offering state-of-the-art sound, lights, rigging, and video presentations in the Grand Center Arts District, 3401 Washington Ave.
The annual Great Futures benefits the Boys & Girls Club programming and is the organization’s largest fundraiser, highlighted by the signature “Youth of the Year” program, the highest achievement a club member can accomplish.
This year’s honor went to Austin Nichols, 16, a member of the Bethalto club, and a junior at Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto. One day, Austin wants to serve in the U.S. Air Force as well as become a software developer.
“Dr. Fowler has inspired me to be a leader at the Club,” said Austin, during his inspiring video speech leading up to the award. “Nothing in life comes easy, you must work hard to achieve your goals.”
The Road to the Youth of the Year began in September. Candidates must meet several requirements, including a 2.0 grade point average, consistent two-year BGCSTL Club membership; exemplify leadership qualities, and receive a Club leader nomination.
A distinguished panel of three judges announced the four finalists attending the Great Futures Gala. Austin received a $5,000 scholarship, dinner, and will get the keys to a vehicle thanks to Frank Leta Automotive.
The second-, third-, and fourth-place winners received scholarships of $2,500, $1,000, and $500 respectively. The runners-up were Alex Sargent, D’Aura Tatum, and Destiny Henry respectively. In the past, the Gala has raised an impressive $660,000 for Club kids and teens, making a significant impact on our community. Each of the finalists took the stage and shared what the Clubs meant to them.
This year’s Great Futures Gala was particularly heartwarming as the Club paid homage to retiring Fowler, who for the past 29 years has led the mission of doing whatever it takes to build great futures.
Fowler grew the organization from one site to eleven locations and merged with two successful programs, Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Program. His dedication and hard work, which have been an inspiration to us all, are a testament to his passion and commitment to youth development.
In his address to the audience, Fowler said the evening’s fundraiser was special because it would be his last. He said children and teenagers need a “safe place to learn and grow…to realize their full potential. They need us.”
“I am grateful for the generosity of so many of you which has provided extraordinary opportunities for our young people,” he said. “I am fortunate that you have allowed me to be part of a remarkable mission and movement that is transforming lives and building great futures for every child who comes through the doors of the Boys and Girls Club.”
In honor of his leadership and influence in the community, Fowler received three proclamations from area political leaders: St. Louis County Executive, Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, and 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard.
The gala’s emcee was Rene Knott, KSDK 5 On Your Side News Anchor on the station’s Today in St. Louis morning show. He led the engaging and entertaining fundraising portion of the evening that raised thousands of dollars.
Knott said when the commitment, discipline, and success of the Club’s young is seen and heard, it is made clear what the Great Futures Gala is all about.
“When you hear their stories, you will truly understand why we have faith in tomorrow, why we believe our kids are going to be ok, why our futures will be intact,” he said. “As scary as the times may be, you got to know, we’ve got young believers out there that are going to be believers of change.”
About the Boys & Girls Clubs
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. BGCSTL provides after-school, teen, sports, and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State Region while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The Clubs serve youth across the region at twelve locations, including (Adams Park Club, Bentwood Townhomes Bethalto Club, Hazelwood Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, and the Teen Center of Excellence). We also operate Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Program.
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