For months, leadership with the Hopkinsville Boys & Girls Club has given subtle indications of “big things” on the way for the beloved, and busy, organization.
During Wednesday’s annual Great Futures Luncheon in the group’s old gym, Executive Director Terrance Davis explained why visitors were staring at student-created 3-D printed table centerpieces resembling a new construction project.
It’s because the Teen Center FabLab is getting a massive expansion — courtesy of a one-time $1 million grant, bequeathed by the Kentucky General Assembly to all of the state’s Boys & Girls Clubs.
The club already has budding talent coming from its tech classrooms, which with 950 square feet of space gives member students access to 3-D printing, podcasting, video production, and more.
However, this new construction is expected to double the size of this area to 1,900 square feet — expected to be completed by May 2024. And it means that other campus areas will be able to refit, regroup and improve.
Of the 11-plus years this luncheon has been held, Davis said no crowd was larger than Wednesday’s — one that delivered a standing applause for both Davis and his staff. And it’s easy to see why.
Heading into her sophomore year at Christian County High School, Paiton Nielsen told a hushed crowd that she’s moved 15 times in 15 years — only now finding a secure family base and the support of the Hopkinsville Boys & Girls Club.
She hasn’t seen her mother since she was 3, and she hasn’t seen her father since she was 6.
Heading into his sophomore year at Hopkinsville High School, 15-year-old Na’Vaun Williams was born in Louisville, before his adoptive mother moved him to Christian County at two months old.
She died when he was 12, and he stayed with his grandmother until he met the Killebrews.
From there, the Hopkinsville Boys & Girls Club has been his second family.
The organization also isn’t just for Hopkinsville’s children.
Chloe Kacou, a 16-year-old junior at Trigg County High School, was Wednesday’s emcee. A Lady Wildcats cheerleader and member of the Arrowcats archery team, she was born in Lexington to Amy Rogers —and they returned to Cadiz when Kacou was 10.
Alone in seventh grade after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Rogers brought her daughter to the organization in order to meet people and make friends.
In the last year, 15 staff members and 25 board members have served 370 youth with the following: more than 300 items of clothing, more than 31,000 meals and snacks at different hours, and more than 2,100 hygiene products.
Located at 1600 Walnut Street, financial donations can also be made to PO Box 1071, Hopkinsville, KY, 42241.
FULL AUDIO:
Ma’Kenna Allen, Emoni Beamon and Cadence Kubik perform The Little Mermaid’s “Part Of Your World”
No data found.
