Character and Leadership Programs: A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club

Keystone Clubs: The Keystone Club is one of our most dynamic teen programs. These small-group leadership and service clubs are for boys and girls ages 14-18, with activities focused in six key areas:

Teen members of the Keystone Club at A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club in Bessemer raised enough money to provide Thanksgiving dinner for four families in the Southside Homes community last November.

Youth of the Year (YOY): Alexandria Brooks has won, for the second year in a row, the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club "Youth of the Year" award. The "Youth of the Year" program promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family, academic performance, moral character, life goals, poise and public speaking ability. 15-year-old Alexandria is a junior at Wenonah High School, where she maintains a 3.5 average in her Advanced Placement classes. She is a talented musician who plays saxophone, trumpet, piano and drums; she runs track, teaches Sunday School at her church and hopes to become an oncologist one day.

Youth of the Month: This program recognizes a Club member, ages 13-18, each month for outstanding service to the Club, community and family, moral character and academic achievement.

Torch Clubs: The Torch Club focuses on character development and zeros in on four critical areas:

* service to Club and community * education * health and fitness * social recreation