Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club

Mathews-Dickey Honors Legendary Fathers at
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series”

The Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club celebrated Father’s Day weekend with its 11th annual “Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series,” including a college fair, career day and closing church services for 175+ area young men on June 18-20, 2010.

James A. Bonman

Daryll Johnson

Vallianti Taylor, Jr.

Douglas A. Mikiel

Robert Trice, Sr.

To commemorate the Club’s 50th Anniversary, President, CEO and Co-Founder Martin Luther Mathews bestowed “Fathers of the Club” honors upon five legendary volunteers: baseball commissioner James Bonman, retired boxing coach Derrill Johnson and aquatic director Val Taylor, and life directors Douglas Mikiel and Robert Trice.

“These legendary men have played a pivotal role in the leadership and grassroots development of our organization,” Mathews said. “We salute all of them for leading by example, serving as mentors and role models to so many young men in need.”

Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business Dean Dr. Benjamin Akande opened the Friday, June 18, college fair with welcome remarks. Fifty local and national universities and organizations were invited to
host informational booths at the free fair, held at Mathews-Dickey, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd. The festivities also include an exercise session by Sensei Harub Taalib, president & founder, Maat Karate Do, and breakout seminars on “The Financial Aid Process” by Tim Hercules, assistant director, student financial services, Saint Louis University; “College Life” by John Nichols, admissions representative, University of Missouri — St. Louis; and “College Internet Research” by Jermaine Holt, application development supervisor, Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

Randy Karraker, host of ESPN Radio’s “The Fast Lane,” emceed a panel discussion for 100+ mentors and their “mentees” at the Career Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 19, at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark Hotel, One S. Broadway. The keynote address was presented by Dr. Eric Washington, medical doctor with the gulf coast’s largest provider of orthopaedic services, Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists in Pascagoula, Miss. The Fathers of the Club award presentations took place during this program.

“Where would thousands of young men be if Mr. Mathews had not stepped into their lives as a father figure 50 years ago?” said Barbara A. Washington, vice president, public relations & special events, Mathews-Dickey. “By becoming a mentor, volunteers are continuing a half-century-old tradition of
molding young men into productive citizens!”

Concerned businessmen were invited to do just that as luncheon partners for young men, ages 12-18. A $100 contribution covers the mentorship fee, which supports educational supplies, college scholarships and field trips. Each young man was encouraged to talk about his aspirations, while the mentor shares the benefit of his work and life experience. A ceremonial exchange of business cards occured, with future activities voluntary.

Youth participants attended three breakout sessions, starting at 9 a.m.: “Moral Development” by Rev. Vernon Betts, deputy sheriff at the City of St. Louis Sheriff’s Department and minister for Shalom City of Peace, and a St. Louis Police Department representative; “Welcome to the Hospitality Industry” by the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark’s General Manager Erich Smith and a Four Seasons St. Louis representative; and “Time Management” by Jack Raymond, first vice president of investments, Merrill Lynch.

Tommie Van, general manager, Marriott Suites — Downers Grove, made the trek in from Chicago to provide the welcome at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a panel discussion. The 2010 panelists were:

“The Communication Professional” by a KTVI Fox 2/KPLR 11 VP, Engineering Jay Gill
“Education: An A+ Career” by Michael Maclin, principal, Maplewood-Richmond Heights Middle School;
“Man of the People: Careers in Public Service” by Michael McMillan, license collector, City of St. Louis;
“Money Talk: Careers in Accounting” by Michael Weiss, senior manager, Ernst & Young; and
“A Powerful Career in Energy” by Wilbert Peebles, assistant manager, labor relations, Laclede Gas Co.

Ten $1,000 college scholarships were presented to graduating seniors at the luncheon. To date, the scholarship donors are AmerenUE, Tyrone Davis Memorial, Ernst & Young, LLP, Grice Group Architects, Robert Hensley, Jr. Memorial, Jackie Joyner Kersee Scholarship in memory of Jack and Hannah Welch, Dr. Timothy D. McCoy Memorial, Robert Trice Leadership Scholarship, Dr. Eric Washington, and Weiss Family Scholarship Fund. Club Alumnus and Professional Recording Artist Jamie “King James” Dennis performs “This Little Light of Mine” and “Jesus is Love” as an inspiration to the youth and tribute to father’s in attendance.

The afternoon of June 19 was filled with cultural field trips, including an excursion to the St. Louis Art Museum led by Director Brent Benjamin, movie and gatherin. Club Board Chairman Rev. William G. Gillespie hosted closing services at Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, June 20.

Mathews-Dickey is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 United Way member agency, which
provides educational, recreational and cultural programs for more than 40,000
young men and women annually. For information, call Bill Fronczak at (314) 382-5952, ext. 228, or Washington, at: (314) 382-5952, ext. 234.

Dr. Benjamin Akande at College Fair (left) and Dr. Eric Washington at Career Day.

The 2010 scholarship winners and donors.

Archived:

“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2009
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2008
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2007
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2006
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2005
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2004
“Maleness to Manhood Workshop Series“ 2003