More than 325 Keystone Club members from 35 Boys & Girls Clubs across the Northeast arrived in Ridgefield Friday, Nov. 8, for the Northeast Annual Regional Keystone Summit.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi, a club alumus, welcomed the attendees at the Friday evening Keystone Family Reunion. Mr. Marconi encouraged Club members to take advantage of the opportunities Keystone offers for leadership and personal growth.
Attending the three-day regional summit is a highlight of participating in the Keystone program. Young people meet others from different parts of the country.
“As the host organization we were able to showcase the great programming our Club offers, as well as draw others into the town of Ridgefield. We are honored to have this opportunity” said Kristin Goncalves, program director and Keystone Club advisor
The summit included small group sessions on self-esteem, depression, suicide awareness and drug and alcohol abuse. Other sessions dealt with career preparation, academic success, and community service and fundraising techniques. Admission advisors from Connecticut colleges and universities, plus the Armed Forces, were available for questions at a college fair lunch.
Scotts Ridge Middle School Principal Tim Salem, highlighted lessons from his movie, Put It Into Words, and Tim Hastings, member of the Ridgefield Prevention Council, moderated a Drug & Alcohol Panel.
Gabe Salazar, internationally recognized youth motivational speaker encouraged members to make positive choices in life by dreaming big.
Ms. Goncalves was named the Keystone Advisor of the Year by the Northeast Regional Committee. “Kristin has provided so many opportunities and opened so many doors for us. She truly deserves this award and we are so proud and excited for her. Kristin is our guiding light and an extraordinary example of what it takes to make a difference in the lives of young people,” said Lily Damron, high school senior and Keystone member.
Local vendors providing food included Planet Pizza, Genoa Deli, Chez Lenard, and Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe. Pepsico Foodservice donated beverages and Keystoners also enjoyed the DJ talents of Sean “Big Daddy” McKee.
“As a staff we are continuously trying to raise the bar and create new opportunities for the club and our kids,” said Mike Flynn, director of operations at the club. “I could not be more proud of our team for hosting an outstanding Keystone Summit.”
For more information on the Keystone Club, contact Ms. Goncalves at kgoncalves@bgcridgefield.org, or at the club, 203-438-8821, ext. 17.