Anna Ott installed as first female chairman of youth charity.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley handed out
its annual recognition awards at a Dec. 9 luncheon at the Newhall
Clubhouse.  Staff and board members were honored
for years of service, and awards were distributed for the Board Member of the
Year (for both Foundation and Governing boards), Volunteer of the Year, Special
Award, and the Sam Dixon Award.

The 2008 award honorees are as follows:  Governing Board Member of the Year: Tom
Dierckman; Foundation Board Member of the Year: 
Craig Peters; Volunteers of the Year:  Pranav Patel and Dennis
Fore; Special Award:  Keyes Lexus of Valencia
and Santa Clarita Studios; and Sam Dixon Award:  William
S. Hart School
District. The Sam Dixon Award, created in honor
of a former board member, is presented to a local business or individual who has
contributed significant time and effort to the Club.

Incoming Board President Anna Ott is congratulated by outgoing president Craig Peters

“We appreciate the efforts of all our volunteers. We know
they have their own families and own jobs— and yet they take time out for the
Boys & Girls Club,” said Jim Ventress, chief professional officer.

Anna Ott was formally named the first female president of
the Foundation Board and will take over beginning Jan. 1, 2009.  She
has been an active participant of Boys & Girls Club events for nearly 10
years and has served on the Foundation Board since its inception in 2002.

“I look forward to being the next president and approach the
opportunity to lead such an important organization with great excitement.
Today’s boys and girls live in challenging times with many influences—both good
and bad,” Ott said.  “As president, I
will work to make the Boys & Girls Club an even stronger influence in
helping children become professional, productive members of our community and
responsible citizens who will contribute to the good of all. Our children are
our future and our investment in them during their formative years is crucial.”

Service awards included board (20 years)—Sheldon Allen, Gary
Condie, and Gary Saenger; employment (20 years)—Maria Gordillo; employment (15
years)—Jaime Briano.

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley is a
member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization with more than 4,000
clubs nationwide.  The local Club was
formed in 1968 by a group of community leaders who recognized the need for
high-quality programs and facilities at affordable costs for area young people.
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley now serves more than 3,500
youth.  Programs engage members in
education and career exploration, the arts, sports, recreation and fitness,
character and leadership development, and healthy life choices.  For more information, please visit www.scvkids.org.