Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Bright Futures Awards Ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The future is indeed bright if the youth attending the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) are any indication. The club held its 2nd annual Bright Futures Awards Ceremony in the Angel of Tahoe building.

Over 700 children are registered at BGCLT this year and they now operate at four locations with 18 summer programs and even had a teen sleepaway camp this past summer.

Emceed by BGCLT board member Taylor Cole, and her stepdad Shawn Christian, both actors with a long list of credits in Hollywood. Exceptional youth and adults were honored during the ceremony for their contributions to the Club.

The financial sponsor of the program was Untethered Workspace. They are matching $25,000 in donations to support BGCLT and the new adaptive playground. "There is no greater investment than the investment in our children," said Untethered partner Dr. Jamie Orr.

Community Partner Award - Lake Tahoe Unified School District. "Care of the students doesn't end at the school bell," said Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler. "This is a safe place to be and a special team here that we get to work with."

Impact Award/Program Leader of the Year - Teresa Bravo

Junior Youth of the Year - Ali Messina. She has been attending BGCLT since she was in kindergarten.

The Angel of Tahoe Award - Pitkin Charitable Foundation and Untethered Workspace. Last year's winners Debbie and Kirk Ledbetter presented the award which was created to continue the club's path to success. The award was named after South Lake Tahoe's Angel of Tahoe, Lisa Maloff. She contributed $3 million to build the new clubhouse, as well as many more millions throughout the community. "She made the little mountain town a special place," said Kirk.

Youth Volunteer of the Year - Randy Cooper, 6th Grade

Jeff Tillman Award - Valerie and Jerry Rudd (BGCLT board secretary and volunteer). The award is named after Tillman who has served on the board for 31 years. He said the greatest reward is to "see our kids smile, the thing we all strive for."

Youth A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Awards
A - Accountable for my actions - Valence Ryland, 2nd grade
W - Welcoming to all - Forest Black, kindergarten
E - Everyone is valued - Amelia Geig, 3rd grade
S - Safe and supporting - Estelle Shott, 7th grade
O - Open and honest - Miles Hurst, 5th grade
M - Make smart choices - Nadine Roverud, 5th grade
E - Excited for fun - Tearsa Freeman, 5th grade

Executive Director Jude Wood was also celebrated for her ten years at the helm, "ten years of being awesome."