FordHarrison LLP, a national labor and employment law firm, is pleased to announce that the firm has continued the spirit of the highly-regarded Connections for Success program by again partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to honor the finalists for the Southeast Region Youth of the Year (YOY) award. This year's event took place at FordHarrison's Atlanta office on June 17, 2013 and included a reception and dinner followed by a panel discussion with professionals from multiple disciplines.
Prior to the panel presentation, the night's programming included a welcome and introduction by Firm Managing Partner, C. Lash Harrison, followed by the BGCA led "Journey Line" activity. Henry Saxon, BGCA's Director of Major Metro Services, invited each student to create a graph of major life events, both positive and negative, which shaped their lives to becoming a YOY finalist. The students were paired together and shared their life experiences and, ultimately, introduced one another through their life stories to the group (peers, mentors, BGCA staff, and select attendees from FordHarrison). Following the "Journey Line", Dawn Siler-Nixon, FordHarrison's Diversity and Inclusion Partner, moderated the panel. It began as a Q&A, but evolved into an interactive dialogue between panelists and students, ranging from specific insights into their careers to general advice on how to achieve both personal and professional success in life. The panel was comprised of professionals representing law, engineering, medicine, arts, finance, and business.
"The leaders with BGCA could not say enough about our firm's generous contribution to the kids' time in Atlanta," said FordHarrison Partner Chad Shultz. "I think we definitely made a positive impact. The panel members gave phenomenal advice to the kids who listened intently. I think this is the best event we've had in the last four years since we've been a part of the Youth of the Year program."
Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year recognition is the highest honor a Club member can achieve. Since its inception in 1947, the YOY program celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. These deserving young people are recognized for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their family. The 2013 Southeast Region YOY finalists include nine state YOY winners and seven military YOY winners, with the regional winner from each category being selected at a special dinner in their honor.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year Recognition Program
Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year (YOY) recognition program, sponsored by Tupperware Brands Corporation, celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. These deserving young people are recognized for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their family. As we encourage you to participate in this recognition program, also remember to let your community know about the great benefits offered along with the character and citizenship skills developed through Boys & Girls Club's premier program.
Youth of the Year is BGCA's premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14-18 who were Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition. State winners, who each receive $1,000 scholarships, participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive an engraved plaque and a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people, especially those who need Clubs most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4.2 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.