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Singer/2003 American Idol Winner
This Alabama native, who became famous for his vocal talents in front of America, enjoyed sports, crafts and games at the Hueytown Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. Young Studdard also sang at church every Sunday and lived in a household full of music and learning (both parents were teachers). In 2003, a friend persuaded him to go along for an American Idol audition in Nashville. In a few weeks, Studdard's singing talents made him a finalist and put him on national television. After 24 million call-in votes from across the country were counted, Studdard became the 2003 American Idol. He followed up with a national tour and debut album that garnered a Grammy nomination for the hit single Superstar. "I had some of the best times of my life at the Boys & Girls Club," he recalls. |
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Former NBA Player/Assistant Basketball Coach,
Villanova University
Born in 1963, Ed Pinckney grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., and attended the
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, because, he recalls, he wanted to avoid playing basketball outdoors during the cold winters there. After honing his skills at the Club, Pinckney was accepted at Villanova University and became one of the finest basketball players in the school's history. During his time there, the Wildcats captured the university's only NCAA championship title. A number one draft choice of the Phoenix Suns in 1985, Pinckney spent 12 years in the National Basketball Association. Following his retirement in 1997, Pinckney joined the Miami Heat organization as part of its broadcasting team. Coming full circle, he returned to Villanova in 2003 as an assistant basketball coach. Reflecting on his Club experience, Pinckney says, "The Club helped us establish a fantastic foundation in athletics. It was just an incredible
experience for me and my family." |
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Director of Services, United States Air Force
Arthur Myers attended the Boys Club in Newark, N.J., from age 7 through high school. Two weeks after high school graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. Twenty years of service to his country and two college degrees later, Myers stayed on with the Air Force in a civilian capacity as director of services, the highest civilian rank that can be held in this branch of the service. At the Boys & Girls Club, Myers found sports, camaraderie with other kids and lessons for success. Myers says that going to the Club affected him fundamentally. "There's no limit to what you can do in life," he says. "So much of what I am now is because of the Club." |
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