On May 17, Danielle Snead graduated magna cum laude from Spelman College in Atlanta with a B.A. degree in political science.  This fall, she will enter the University of Richmond School of Law. Danielle plans to practice as a Child Advocacy Attorney, and was attracted to the strong Family Law Clinic at the University of Richmond. 
 
Danielle was not only a member of the Eastside Branch, but she also spent her summers during college working at the Club.  "Working at the Boys & Girls Clubs helped ignite my passion for working with kids," said Danielle.  "I always knew that I wanted to be a lawyer and a career in child advocacy law combines this goal with my desire to help kids."
 
Danielle was one of five national BCGA Youth of the Year finalists in 2004.  "Before the Youth of the Year competition, I had never left Texas," Danielle explained. "The experience of going to Washington, D.C. to compete nationally really opened my eyes to all the opportunities out there.  It also gave me a lot of confidence."  This summer, Danielle is interning for the Environmental Protection Agency in Seattle.
 
 

ag education

 Valerie Burciaga
Valerie Burciaga graduated last December from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in poultry science.  Currently, she is working full time at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in San Antonio as an Agricultural Technician.  In this position, she oversees the agricultural education program and the equine program, including the 4-H program.  This is a homecoming for Valerie in more ways than one, as she grew up in the local 4-H program, competing on her horse, Casper, in Western performance and barrel racing.
 
This summer, Valerie was instrumental in setting up two Ag Fairs for the BGCSA: one at the TeenCenter and one at the Eastside Branch.  "With these fairs, Club kids got to learn about where our food and fiber comes from through interactive farming, livestock and gardening displays," Valerie said.  "The Southwest Dairy Farmers brought a mobile unit to the Eastside Club and will milk the cows in front of the kids.  These fairs will help Club members understand where we get our food and agricultural by-products."
 
Valerie emphasized that the BGCSA taught her structure and gave her life a sense of purpose.  In 2003, she was named San Antonio Youth of the Year.  "Being Youth of the Year helped me to mature greatly," she said.  "And now, I can give back to the clubs as a professional."  Valerie plans to begin her master's program in agricultural education next spring, and ultimately aspires to get her Ph.D. and become a professor in the field of agricultural education.

 Jon Vogt
This fall, Jon Vogt will enter his third year at Texas Tech University, where he is majoring in history with a minor in criminal sociology.  Jon who entered his freshman year with college credits earned from advanced high school coursework, has been named to the Dean's List twice at Texas Tech.  He plans to become a police officer because he feels it is a career that will allow him to help people.  "My mother is a police officer and she absolutely loves going to work every day," Jon said.  "She has truly been a role model for me."
 
Jon has loved the experience of attending college at Tech and gives all the credit for learning about the university to the BGCSA.  "When I was in high school, Teen Center Director Bill Felty took some of us to visit the campuses of UT, Rice, A&M, Baylor and Tech," he explained.  "I immediately felt most comfortable at Tech.  Honestly, if it weren't for the Boys & Girls Clubs, I doubt I would have even heard of Texas Tech."
 
"The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio is like a second family to me.  Even though I had a great family life, there were days when I just didn't want to go home - I wanted to have a place where I could hang out with friends and not worry about being on the streets," said Jon.  One of the most rewarding experiences of his life was representing San Antonio and South Texas at the state BGCA Youth of the Year competition.  "I loved every minute of serving as a Youth of the Year," he said.  "I gained so much confidence in being able to communicate effectively with people through this experience."

BE GREAT and support the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio.  Your support can make a permant positive difference in the life of a child.  Visit www.bgcsatx.org or call 210-436-0686 to find out how you can get involved.

 

The 2009 Annual Casino Night and Anniversary Gala Honoring Richard and Lana Breakie is set for Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Club At Sonterra.  Make plans now to join us for an action-packed evening of entertainment, dinner, silent and live auctions and gaming galore.  For information on table sponsorships and silent auction donations, call (210) 436-0686 or visit: