It was a night of celebration Thursday for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley.

Members, volunteers and supporters gathered at Miramont Country Club in Bryan for their Annual Banquet.

The evening included the installation of officers. Serving for 2010 will be Chairwoman Kathy Joyce, Chairman-Elect Jim Beard, Vice-Chair Cynthia Gay, Secretary Kyle Hawthorne, Treasurer Woody Thompson.

Installed to the Board for another term were Ron Schmidt, Chuck Sippial, Woody Thompson, Nancy Berry, Belle Bramhall, Julia Gardner, and Cynthia Gay. New Board Members included Hartzell Elkins, Adam Drake, Sherry Jennings, Terry Hall, and Sam Harrison.

Service to Youth Awards were presented to board members Chuck Sippial (10 years); Steve Mobley (15 years); and Ron Schmidt (25 years).

Tiffany Parker, Director of Program Development and Outreach, received the National Professional Service Award for her guidance and positive influence to youth. Parker is the first staff member from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley to receive this prestigious award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Awards Committee.

Recipients of the Service to Youth Awards included staff members Lance Jackson for 15 years and Tami Swigert for five years of service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brazos Valley. Also receiving a Service to Youth Award was volunteer Ernest Densey for 32 years of service.

Mark Kristen, CEO of Kristen Distributing Company, received the first BE GREAT Award for their dedication to the Club in providing staff, printing, products and financial resources throughout the years.

Ken Medders, Jr. and Woody Thompson were recognized as Board Members of the Year. Medders has served Boys & Girls Clubs for 13 years, beginning his service in San Benito and South Padre Island. Locally, he has served as Chairman, Vice-Chairman and chair of the building and property committee. Thompson has been a board member for 26 years. He has been Board Chair and on the Executive Committee for at least 16 years as Treasurer.

Jennifer Carpenter was honored with the Woman and Youth Award. She has volunteered for more than 20 years. Senator Steve Ogden was presented with the Clubs Man and Youth Award. The C.A.R.E. Award was presented to Dale & Phoebe Watts for their 'can do' attitude and helping the Club whenever they are able to.