The Boys & Girls Club of Neshoba County is celebrating its first anniversary this month as 322 children have passed though its doors for at least one of its programs.
Director Larry Dickens said the club's success can be measured by the number of students who have shown improvements in school attendance, grades, behavior and in other areas.
That is something to be celebrated, he said.
Persons wishing to tour the club on Byrd Avenue, ask questions or just observe the after school program in action are invited to an anniversary celebration on Thursday beginning at 4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
About 75 students are currently enrolled in the Boys & Girls Club, Dickens said, several of which have been with the club since the beginning.
If it wasn't for the Boys & Girls Club, Kadarius Gill, 11, a fifth grader at Neshoba Central Elementary School, said he would be at home after school each day "being bored and doing nothing."
Gill hopes to be a professional wrestler one day.
"With the money I make, I'm going to get me a Boys & Girls Club of my own and help others," he said.
Mykel Smith, Mariah Jones and Misty Weems are among students who have been participating in the Boys & Girls Club since its beginning.
Each said their grades have improved because they spend more time studying and doing their homework. They especially enjoy when they get rewarded with pizza at the club after their grades are reported.
While the boys said they like the PlayStation and Wii games, the girls prefer carpet ball, pool and playing on the computers at the club.
The Neshoba County Club is the third one Dickens has started while working with Boys & Girls Clubs for over 30 years.
"The pace picked up here a little quicker than at the others," he said. "We have wonderful support from our board of directors."
Dickens is impressed by the number of students attending the club.
"It's most impressive that we are able to attract and recruit students without such things as a swimming pool, gym or athletic field," he said. "We have a great program but this building is already too small for us."
About 150 students attended camp at the club this summer.
A number of programs are offered throughout the year at the Boys & Girls Club. Among them are:
Torch Club, small-group leadership development program targeting youth 11 to 13.
Power Hour, a comprehensive homework help and tutoring program.
Youth of the Year, which recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, or community as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.
SMART Moves, addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity.
Project Learn, reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school through high-yield learning activities at the club and at home.
SMART Girl, a health, fitness, prevention/education and self esteem enhancement program for girls.
Passport to Manhood, teaches responsibility while reinforcing positive behavior in male club members.
Club Tech, teaches youth essential digital literacy skills, through fun, interactive lessons.
