Photo from The 15th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast, taken by Cliff Roles

It’s been two years since the The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have had the opportunity to gather together as a community to celebrate local honorees and recognize the work of its members, volunteers and donors for BGCSDC's Teen Programs. This year, the organization honored two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, and Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County at The 15th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast. Co-hosts and MCs for the event were Former State Senator, Lisa Carlton and 2021 Southeast Youth of the Year, Jorge Hernandez-Perez.

Archie Griffin was not able to be there in person but he accepted his award over live stream. 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. 

Photo from The 15th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast, taken by Cliff Roles