Poplar Bluff Boys and Girls Club members marching Saturday in Missouri’s Bicentennial Inaugural Parade were greeted by clapping and “thank yous” from the crowd for their participation.
The group was experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as they were part of the event in Jefferson City.
The local club, represented by 11 youths, was invited personally by Gov. Mike Parson when he visited this area in August, said Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff’s Robbie Toth-Cosby.
“During our summer program, Gov. Parson visited and toured our club,” Toth-Cosby said. “While the governor was visiting, he sat down with the Teen Center youth and told them about and invited them to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime bicentennial parade. Our high school members enrolled in our summer program were invited to attend.”
Boys & Girls Club, a non-profit organization that provides after-school programs for youth ages 6-18, provides a safe place to learn and grow in a fun and safe environment. Children build ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals through life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, which help in building self-respect and positive self-esteem.
Toth-Cosby said, “It was an amazing and unforgettable opportunity for our members. Many have never been to our state capital before. They had the chance to participate in the bicentennial parade, tour parts of the capitol, see the bicentennial quilts and murals, and see all of Missouri’s professional sports teams’ championship trophies. I am proud of our members for representing our town and our organization so well.”
Logan, a local club member, said walking in the parade “was actually really, really cool. I’m so glad I got to go.”
Other club members were excited “about how many people clapped for us and thanked us for driving so far to be in the parade.”
Parson issued his invitation after learning first-hand how the local club is working to open doors for its students.
The governor said at the time, “There isn’t any question the Boys and Girls Club, like here in Poplar Bluff, is key to where we’re moving our young kids forward in today’s times. We’ll do anything in our power, myself and your senator and representatives, to support workforce development and anything we can do to help educate these kids.”
Preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow “I think is a great focus for them to start having,” Parson said, while noting it’s time for schools, the Boys and Girls Club and others to “think outside the box” when it comes to preparing students for the future.
“The opportunities are endless if we all change our minds a little bit of how important that is,” Parson said.