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Boys & Girls Clubs of America appoints local Club member and Teen Specialist to the National Keystone Conference Steering Committee Contact Name: Sara Bealor Contact Email: sbealor@bgcsarasota.com Contact Phone Number: 941-366-3911 Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club member Fatima D. and Teen Specialist Geoffry Gilot as Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) recently appointed them to serve on the 2020 National Keystone Conference Steering Committee. The National Keystone Conference Steering Committee features an exclusive group of outstanding teens and Club advisers from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation who were selected through a competitive application process. Fatima and Geoffry were selected for their dedication to the Lee Wetherington Keystone Club, which is a unique leadership development experience that provides Club members, ages 14-18, with opportunities to enhance their academic success while preparing for their future careers and improving their communities through service projects. Fatima is a 17-year-old senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, and has been a Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club member since 2008. She is actively involved in the organization’s service, entrepreneurial, career prep, vocational training and leadership development programs. Fatima is also the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Leadership Training Program Student Representative who serves on the agency’s Board of Directors. “I am honored to be one of the chosen few in the world to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Fatima. Geoffry is the organization’s Teen Specialist who works tirelessly to connect Club members to opportunities that will help set them on a path to success after high school graduation. As an alumnus of the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club in North Port, Geoffry understands the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity the Boys & Girls Clubs has to offer. While he coordinates a variety of activities from leadership development to character building, Geoffry consistently takes on additional responsibilities to ensure teens like Fatima get the most out of their Club experience. “Being chosen alongside Fatima to represent our organization is a dream come true,” said Geoffry. “There are so many inspiring Club members, youth development professionals and Club advisers across the globe, and we are absolutely thrilled to be afforded this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on thousands of teens’ lives.” This dynamic duo will play a lead role in planning the 2020 National Keystone Conference, which will take place in Washington, D.C., in July, and unite 1,500 teens to connect, engage and explore social issues that play a critical role in their personal and professional development such as school violence, bullying, leadership and mental health. “Being a part of this process requires immense organization, effective communication, teamwork, ingenuity and patience,” said Fatima. On December 6, Fatima and Geoffry traveled to BGCA’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, to meet with their fellow committee members and start discussing ideas for the upcoming conference. “I’m looking forward to creating relationships and memories with my fellow committee members who have a passion for Keystone Club and for the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission,” said Fatima. “I’m so grateful for my Boys & Girls Clubs’ support, BGCA for this opportunity, and most of all, Mr. Geoffry, for encouraging me every step of the way throughout my Keystone involvement and the application process.” Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County's award-winning slate of Teen Programs at bgcsarasota.com.