Community Corner
Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Members Receive A.C.E. Award from Lawrence Exchange Club
This year, the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence (BGCL) has the distinction of dual winners of the A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award from the Lawrence Exchange Club. Stanley Martinez and Julia Hernandez have both been recognized for their outstanding attitude and performance, while overcoming adversity to remain on track toward earning a high school diploma.
Each student earns a $1,000 scholarship as a district winner, and Stanley was awarded an additional $2,500 scholarship as winner of the New England region. He is now competing for the National A.C.E. Award and a $10,000 scholarship from the National Exchange Club.
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Stanley, a senior at Greater Lawrence Technical High School, has surmounted difficulties at home exacerbated by the trauma of losing a friend to gun violence. The nurturing environment of BGCL gave Stanley the support and encouragement to raise his grades and join the cross-country, baseball, and basketball teams. Now he helps other kids at the Club and school as a Reggie Leader. He wants to pursue a career in child advocacy in order to help protect others.
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Julia, a senior at Central Catholic High School, has also fought to overcome family issues. She plans to go to college, study child psychology, and help other kids transform their lives. She said, “Every child should have an adult whom they can confide in. I want to be that person.”
“Our kids overcome odds and experiences that would mentally cripple most of us,” said Steve Kelley, associate director of BGCL. “This special recognition from the Exchange Club is a powerful example to all that hard work and perseverance really do pay off.”
About the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence provides a safe, after-school haven for more than 3,400 youth (ages 7 to 18) to come for hot meals, homework help, fitness and nutrition programs, college and career planning, and lasting personal relationships. The club offers critical programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and community involvement at two locations: the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence at 136 Water St., and the Beacon Boys & Girls Club at 71 Duckett Ave. For more information, visit www.lawrencebgc.com.
