Beech Tree News Network

The Boys & Girls Club of Butler County held their Annual Appreciation Dinner on October 24, at the Butler County Education Complex.  State Representative C.B. Embry, Jr.welcomed the record crowd followed by the invocation given by Pastor Rice of Cool Springs Church. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Linda Keown, Butler County Judge David Fields, and Club members. 

After a delicious dinner music was provided by club members, Tommy Hunt, Molly Southerland, and Johnna Cox, and led by Adam Willams and Lydia Murphy.

Mrs. Rhuie Flener, 97 was named the first Honorary Boys & Girls Club member.  Mrs. Flener has supported the Club for years and was presented a certificate by Club members.
Former Todd County Superintendent David Eakles introduced the keynote speaker for the evening Butler County Superintendent Scott Howard. 
“Scott is an outstanding instructional leader that cares about kids,” said Eakles.
Howard spoke about the success of the school district and their support of the Boys & Girls Club. 
“Butler County is a Proficient district that educates over 2100 students, we are proud to have 80 new students this year, and operates a $15 million budget,” said Howard.  We (district) try to support the Club as much as possible.”
Howard stressed the importance of connection, intervention, and prevention.  Children have to be connected/involved, if not that is where trouble starts. The Boys &Girls Club is a great place to make a connection according to Howard. 
“The Club can provide interventions by removing barriers to success and prevention is provided by being pro-active with a variety of programs and service projects,” said Howard.
Howard showed a short inspirational video about Billy Hawkins. 
“The Butler County School District and the Boys & Girls Club strives to give every child the chance they need to be successful,” concluded Howard.

The new executive director of the Boys & Girls Club, Bruce White, recognized guests and presented certificates of appreciation. 
The Club recognized the following large contributors:  J. Marshall and Judi Hughes, Boys & Girls Club of America Department of Justice Grant $15,000, City of Morgantown $12,500, Butler County Fiscal Court $12,500, United Way of South Central KY $11,800, and Kentucky Alliance Grant $8,700. They also recognized gold, silver, and bronze donors and banquet sponsors.

“We want to thank everyone who gave money or time to our Club this year.  This is truly a community effort,” said White.
White has a passion for the Club and has been a long time supporter of the organization. White replaces Stan England who came to the Club in March of 2013. 

“I have learned more in the last eight months with Stan than I have ever known about the Club,” said White.  England has stepped down as director, but will continue to serve as a consultant to the Club.
The Boys & Girls Club of Butler County was founded in 1996.  Their mission “Is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”