Celebration of Firsts at The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County

The first Club members.

The first Club boy.

The first Club girl.

The first Youth of the Month.

On Oct. 8, the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County held a special celebration of firsts.

“Our very first recognition ceremony at The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County was a huge success,” said Jesse Coltrane, program director.

Staff recognized Julian N. and our Olivia “Cupcake” M.–the first boy and girl to walk through the doors; as well as the first Youth of the Month (ages 6-12) Izabella P. and Teen Youth of the Month (ages 13-18) Ahmir W.

“Both Club members have shown outstanding support to other Club members, excellent attendance, great on homework, and a great representation of our core values of being safe, respectful and responsible and the Club at all times,” Coltrane said of the two Youth of the Month.

All kids & teens were recognized as the first Club members for the first ever Boys & Girls Club in Henry County, which opened Aug. 19 at its renovated facility housed in the former Henry County Middle School (located at 166 Holly Smith Drive in McDonough, GA).

The recognition ceremony started off with line dancing and cupcakes—and ended with more cupcakes and a socially distanced Soul Train line to “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang.

Check out a few pictures from the Club’s first day (Aug. 19) and its first recognition ceremony: