Graduation for Más: Celebrating Club Members’ Accomplishments

Visalia Club staff dance in their 1950's-styled attire.

For Immediate Release

VISALIA, CA, June, 10th 2019 -- On the evening of May 31st, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias gathered at their Visalia Unit for their annual “Graduation for Más” celebration, to honor the accomplishments of Club members who are graduating from either middle school or high school. 

The members and staff of Tulare, Visalia, Exeter, Strathmore, Ivanhoe, and Farmersville Clubs decorated the Visalia gym according to the theme “Dancing through the Decades.” Staff were dressed in vintage costumes—from poodle skirts to grungy flannels. The Clubs and administrators collaborated in order to provide a variety of activities for the teens and pre-teens. Inside the gym, there was a DJ, dancing, basketball, bowling, video games, raffles, and even an 80’s themed photo backdrop. Outside, there was an obstacle course, cornhole games, a bounce house, and a guest graffiti artist who spray painted a live piece. Staff and volunteers prepared food for the members, which was generously donated by Steve Smith. Members and staff cheered on their Clubs during competitive games of musical chairs! There was even a surprise performance by Wildstyle Bushido break dancers, an immersion of two different local b-boy crews.

Volunteer graffiti artist, Reggie, creating a live piece.

The idea of a graduation celebration was initiated thanks to the Taco Bell Foundation, who graciously awarded our Clubs their Graduate for Más grant of $17,000 this year. Now, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias hosts the Graduation for Más event annually. They know the importance of recognizing the effort that Club members put into their education, and their accomplishment of promotion or graduation. It is also a celebration of the mentorship of staff members and volunteers, who encourage members on a daily basis to do well in school, by helping with homework and even by helping apply for college. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias would like to congratulate their 2019 graduates!

Members line up to eat their barbecue dinner provided by Steve Smith.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is focused on helping all young people, especially those who need us most, to become responsible, caring and productive members of society. Boys & Girls Clubs were established in Tulare County in the 1990’s when Exeter and Visalia community leaders responded to the need for a positive place for local youth to spend free time after school. Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias serves 1,000 kids per day at 14 clubs throughout Tulare County. Clubs provide a wide span of activities for local youth, varying from STEM to sports. www.bgcsequoias.org 

For More Information

Please contact:  Carri Chambers | (559) 592–4074 | carri.chambers@bgcsequoias.org

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