Graduation marks a very important and
transitional time for many young people.
For some graduates, it is the beginning of a new and exciting journey. For others they are the first graduates in
their family. Our youth face challenges
in today’s world and through the YMCA Leaders Club program, we provide the
building blocks to help them be successful and contributing members of their
communities.
At the Y, we believe that you are
never too young to lead. The YMCA of
Central Ohio is committed to nurturing the potential of every child. Through the YMCA Leaders Club, we help teens
gain the necessary skills and experience to guide them to be healthy, happy and
connected adults.
Founded in 1885, Leaders Club has
been instrumental in helping young people across the nation become future
leaders in their communities. Building
upon the YMCA’s core values of Caring,
Honesty, Respect and Responsibility,
we provide opportunities for youth to develop skills in Leadership Development, Service
to Others, Social Development and
Personal Growth.
The YMCA Leaders Club program is designed
for 6 through 12th graders and provides opportunities them to meet new people,
build relationships, learn valuable skills and to get involved in the
community.
One of our members, Benjamin “Frankie”
White was involved in the YMCA Leaders Club since he was in seventh grade. During his involvement, he has been able to
make life long friends and lasting memories. Most recently, Frankie completed his first
year at St. John’s University, majoring in Sports Management. He credits the YMCA Leaders Club for being a
major influence in his life. For the
past two summers, Frankie has served as a YMCA camp counselor. In fact, Frankie became the first Gahanna YMCA
Leaders Club participant from the program to be employed at the Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA.
Virgil Hughes is a current YMCA Leader Club participant. He has been actively involved in the program for the past 4 years. Last year, Virgil was asked to speak at the Gahanna
YMCA 2011 People Helping People annual breakfast. Currently,
Vigil is an honor roll student at Gahanna Lincoln High School and a dedicated
volunteer in his community. Virgil credits
his involvement in the YMCA Leaders Club for shaping his path toward
leadership. Although he is sad that this
will be his last year in the program, he vows to remain actively involved in
his community and with the Y.
These are just a few examples of
how the YMCA Leaders Club has made a positive impact on our youth. At the YMCA of Central Ohio we are believe
that there are no throw away kids, but all kids are of promise.
As graduates embark on the next
chapter in their lives we hope that their YMCA Leaders Club experience has given
them the skills and experience that will help them be strong leaders in their
community.
Congratulations to the 2012
graduates!
The Leaders Club members at the Hilltop YMCA are AWESOME! They volunteered at the Capital Campaign Kick-Off event and did a great job with facepainting, concessions and helping out wherever they were needed. Thanks so much - you guys are the best!
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