This past Tuesday, we held our annual senior celebration, TOPPs. This is a night honoring the graduating Club members who have participated in Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas’ college-ready program, Collegiate STEPS. We had the pleasure of returning to our in-person event this year and it was so amazing to see everyone at the Flight Museum.
The evening was filled with remarks from Honorary Chairs, Karen & Tom Falk; Managing Director & Deputy Chief Counsel at Charles Schwab, Jay Johnson; Chief Program Officer of BGCD, Cherri Rowe; Club Alumna, Geolaina Copeland; President & CEO of BGCD, Charles English and President and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of America, Jim Clark.
The program began with some opening remarks followed by Jim Clark honoring Charles English for his 20-year commitment to service to BGCD. He received a distinguished medal and a proclamation to honor him.
Aftewards, we were able to hear more about the accomplishments of the seniors. All seniors were handed an envelope that contained a surprise of scholarships and one new laptop for each senior! The seniors were so surprised and excited!
After enjoying dinner, we had the privilege of hearing from West Dallas Boys & Girls Club Alumna, Geolaina Copeland. She shared her story and how Boys & Girls Clubs made the utmost impact on her life when she truly needed it the most. After losing her mom to cancer, she depended on the Club staff to speak life into her and create that safe space. In her words, the Club gave her, “[her] first job, [her] first computer, and [her] first scholarship. Boys & Girls Club, you move mountains. You break chains, and you make a way out of no way for kids just like me!”
We thank everyone that has made TOPPs and Collegiate STEPS possible, this year and years prior! None of this would be possible without our investors, volunteers, staff, and more!
Check out some of the images captured that evening!
Aftewards, we were able to hear more about the accomplishments of the seniors. All seniors were handed an envelope that contained a surprise of scholarships and one new laptop for each senior! The seniors were so surprised and excited!
After enjoying dinner, we had the privilege of hearing from West Dallas Boys & Girls Club Alumna, Geolaina Copeland. She shared her story and how Boys & Girls Clubs made the utmost impact on her life when she truly needed it the most. After losing her mom to cancer, she depended on the Club staff to speak life into her and create that safe space. In her words, the Club gave her, “[her] first job, [her] first computer, and [her] first scholarship. Boys & Girls Club, you move mountains. You break chains, and you make a way out of no way for kids just like me!”
We thank everyone that has made TOPPs and Collegiate STEPS possible, this year and years prior! None of this would be possible without our investors, volunteers, staff, and more!
Check out some of the images captured that evening! 
