BGC names employees, board member of the year

It was a night of celebration as Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri named James Cramer and Brenda Buckner as full and part time employees of the year. The two were honored during the annual staff and board celebration, held September 17, which brought together Boys & Girls Club staff and the Board of Directors to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, including providing the same level of afterschool service during a difficult school year and seeing record enrollment during the Club’s Summer Program.

“It’s always a great time to get together with family and friends to review the past year and celebrate our success stories, the accomplishments and the hard work and commitment of our board and staff as we work to change lives,” said Executive Director Gary Beckman. “The evening celebrated those who make a difference today, with tomorrow on their minds.”

Cramer, who runs the Heber Hunt Site and oversees the Washington and Dresden Sites, has worked at Boys & Girls Club since 2004. According to one of his nominators, Cramer “goes above and beyond for the members at Heber Hunt. He always thinks about the members and fellow staff members, putting their needs first. Jamie truly does whatever it takes”

Buckner is Boys & Girls Club’s longest tenured employee, having worked as a Youth Development Professional for 22 years. She currently works at the Dresden Site but this year spent time running the Washington Site while a permanent program director was hired, something noted in her nomination form.

“Brenda pitched in and helped the Club when we needed it the most,” the nominator wrote.

BGC also named Trish Henson as Board Member of the Year for her tireless dedication and advocacy of the Club. Henson has been a board member since 2013 and currently serves as Board President.

“Trish is always at Club events, at committee meetings and is a true leader of our organization,” a nominator wrote. “She is truly passionate about helping kids grow through Boys & Girls Club’s programs and is always looking to make the Club the best it can be.”