Boys & Girls Clubs of America President & CEO Jim Clark paid a visit to the Hopkinsville/Christian County Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday — serving as the guest speaker of the annual “Great Futures Luncheon” sponsored by Jennie Stuart.
Clark said he had to come to Christian County for several reasons, among them being a nod to Terrence Davis — Hopkinsville’s executive director — and a nod to John Miller, a 1981 graduate of Hopkinsville High School who now serves the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as its senior vice president of affiliate relations.
Clark received a tour of the Hopkinsville facility from 13-year-old NaVan Williams, who — when the moment was right — made a rather specific upgrade request.
And Clark obliged.
Two of the club’s members were also thoughtfully recognized on Wednesday. Graduating senior Arthur McKnight, a soon-to-be student of mechanical engineering, was recognized as “President’s Sparkle” scholarship award winner potentially valued at more than $12,000, while Quay Ward was recognized as both the Hopkinsville/Christian County Boys & Girls Club “Youth of the Year,” and the 2021 Kentucky Boys & Girls Club “Youth of the Year.”
Clark, meanwhile, added the best way to affect change in the lives of youths comes from support in all directions — physically, fiscally and emotionally.
It also takes a good leader, something Clark said Hopkinsville has.
Also part of the luncheon: a touching performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” by the BGC Dance Team, a speech from Ward and a moving cover of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” from the BGC Choir.
Ward’s speech:
Choir singing:
