VERY

What a busy quarter for Afterschool! We are very fortunate that our student’s schedules are packed full of such amazing community opportunities.

From Black History Month performances, BGC Basketball Tournaments, Charlotte Football Club matches and Hornets games to unveiling a surprise Activity Room and selecting our Club’s Youth of the Year – we are soaking in every moment with these kids.

Last month a group of our students were selected to attend the 10th Annual Kings & Queens Invitational, a BGC Basketball Tournament held at the Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County’s Raleigh location. With over 20 Boys & Girls Club teams competing, it was a fantastic opportunity for our Club members to connect with peers from across the state. Our students were honored for their incredible behavior on and off the court and were invited to other BGC tournaments coming up. While we are proud of their athletic ability, we are more pleased with their sportsmanship. It says so much about the incredible staff and coaches we had accompanying them. Thank you to Rodney Mason, Nic Lynch, Raphael McNealy, and Thad Smith for your leadership.

Thanks to the generous 2024 Hornets Venom GT grant, the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, we were able to create a Hornets Venom GT-themed gaming room, complete with cutting-edge systems and equipment. With invaluable assistance from Stancil Painting, our IT department and Programming Staff, the room was finalized and unveiled to the students in March! The joy and surprise on the children’s faces tell it all. We are so thankful for a safe space for children to learn and grow through Esports, fostering teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. This room will be cherished for years to come.