The 15th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast was truly a success! It’s been two years since we have had the opportunity to gather together as a community to celebrate local honorees and recognize the incredible work of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Teen Programs. This year, BGCSDC honored two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, and Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County. Our co-hosts and MCs for the event were none other than Former State Senator Lisa Carlton, and 2021 Southeast Youth of the Year, Jorge Hernandez-Perez.
Safety precautions were taken to minimize the number of attendees in the room, but opportunities were made available to join on Facebook Live. Archie Griffin was not able to be with us in person, but he accepted his award over livestream. Lisa Bechtold accepted her award and reminded the community of the importance of volunteering and working together. She said we all have different skill-sets and using the gifts and talents you have can make a difference in the lives of our youth. BGCSDC Club members presented the two honoree awards and spoke as representations of that investment made by mentors and community partners.
Isaiah L. presented the award to Archie Griffin and was named Gene Matthews Youth of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Isaiah shared how being a representative for Youth of the Year instilled traits of leadership in himself and provided a platform to be a positive role model. Samantha L., a graduate of the STAR Leadership Program, presented the award to Lisa Bechtold. Samantha was awarded a two-year Townsend Scholarship, which will help her further her education and pursue her dreams of becoming a graphic designer.
All proceeds from the Leadership Breakfast will allow the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties to elevate its award-winning slate of Teen Programs and provide life-changing programs to thousands of teens across Sarasota County and the surrounding area such as leadership training, service opportunities, entrepreneurial education, workforce development, and college and career prep. Thank you for joining us this year and investing in our youth!
Thank you Cliff Roles Photography for capturing these memories!
Click here to see the full photo album of the event.
Click here to learn more about our Teen Programs.
