Youth of the Year Competition

We recently had our Twin Cities Youth Competitions help at the Polaris Headquarters.  These candidates read their speeches and the judges had the opportunity to select the Youth of the Year Candidate.

I would like to thank our West Side Candidate Xavier Storay for his commitment to the Al Lenzmeier West Side Boys and Girls Club.  We were very proud to have you represent us!

Right Track Summer Youth Employment Workshop

We recently hosted the Annual Right Track Summer Youth Employment Fair at our location for all members aged 14 and up that are looking for jobs this summer.  As part of this workshop, members crafted resumes, submitted their job application, participated in mock interviews and enjoyed a nice dinner together.  We are pleased to announce that we have teens Right Track Ready and their job applications have been submitted.  Good luck to all of these fine candidates in securing a job!

Celebrating African American History

As part of our month long celebration, members learned about Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech," and had the opportunity to share their dreams.  Our members want to be things like NHL hockey players, teachers, police officers, engineers, marine biologists, college student, figure skater, dancer, singer, football player, and a pediatric surgeon.  So great to see them setting goals for their lives at such an early age!

Merging Minds Keystone Meeting

During our weekly Keystone meetings, we have been focused on current events centered around the topic of diversity. This week, we analyzed the Black Lives Matter possible protest at the Crushed Ice Event that will take place later this month, the Beyoncé Super Bowl Half Time Show and her nod to the Black Panthers, police brutality, and Malcolm X among others. Teaching our teens to think critically about the news and create informed opinions is important. Great discussions tonight!

Congratulations to our Souschef of the Month!

Every day we have a select group of members that participate in our Kids feeding Kids Program. Under the direct supervision of Rebecca Rea, our Kids Feeding Kids Manager, members learn important culinary skills in the kitchen.  Members have the opportunity to help set the tables, prepare the food, and even participate in the clean up.  This month, Ms. Rea has chosen Myya to receive this special recognition!  Keep up the great work, Myya!

Valentine's Celebration and West Side Royalty

We had a wonderful time celebrating Valentine's Day at the club this year.  Members had the whole day filled with fun and engaging activities.  Members had the chance to participate in a coloring contest, Minute to Win It Challenges in the Education Room, and we even voted on our West Side Royalty Court!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the 2016 Valentine's Day Royal Court.  Congratulations to the following members for being nominated by their peers:(King and Queen) Alex Meija and Tony Avila, (Prince and Princess) Tony Smiley and Ariana Tokheim, (Duke and Duchess) Ariana Pitt.

Merging Minds-Keystone Group

Keystone Meeting tonight. Excellent discussion about Kendrick Lamar's Grammy performance. Members watched the video and jotted down words they viewed were powerful. We discussed these in small groups and then had them analyze three specific stanzas and spoke about his message. We then compared it to Beyonce's message at the Super Bowl. Great discussion on race.