The Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club turns 50 this year, and it is celebrating by doing what it has always done: mentoring.
The club recently hosted its Maleness to Manhood workshop for young men to attend a college fair and learn work ethics, professional networking and life skills.
Eric Washington, M.D., spoke to the young men during a lunch ceremony on the importance of being a man – not a statistic.
“You young men are going to have to step up. People have seen the potential in you. All of us were once where you are,” Dr. Washington said.
“Make no excuses; excuses are easy. Manhood is not about sitting back and watching the game, it’s about participating in the game. Just do it. No excuses.”
The ceremony also recognized a few fathers who helped Mathews-Dickey through the years. Each received a plaque for their help throughout the club’s 50 years of community service.
The young men attended a college fair with representatives from colleges such as Webster University, Morehouse College and University of Missouri – St. Louis. They learned how to apply for college, scholarships and financial aid assistance. Campus representatives discussed college living and different programs and degrees the respective universities offer.
During the Career Day, the young men attended seminars with professional St. Louis locals discussing their jobs and male issues. The panel consisted of Jay Gill, vice president and engineer of KTVI Fox 2/ KPLR 11; Richmond Heights Middle School Principal Michael Maclin; Michael Weiss, senior manager at Ernest & Young, LLP; License Collector Michael McMillan; and Wilbert Peebles, assistant manager, Labor Relations at Laclede Gas Company.
Ten awardees received a $1,000 scholarship to college, with the young men attending Morehouse and Howard universities. Scholarship donors came from all over the St. Louis metro area, including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Eric Washington, AmerenUE and Grice Group Architects.
Leo Acklin Jr. received the $1,000 Robert Hensley Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Acklin graduated from Christian Brothers College High School with a 4.1 grade point average. Acklin will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology in the fall.
“When young men see things like this and men talk about their careers, it inspires them to try and do things with their lives,” Acklin said.
“Even if you don’t know what you’re gonna start out as, if you work hard and devote yourself towards what you’re doing, you will find a way to make it somewhere in your life.”
Acklin gave advice to the young men who are not part of the Mathews-Dickey club.
“This program gives you an outlook on what’s gonna happen later on in life and what you could do with your life,” Acklin said.
Mathews-Dickey cofounder Martin L. Mathews gave a few encouraging words to the young men and to the mentors at the ceremony.
“It’s going to take all of us,” Mathews said.
“It’s the determination of young people – and why we are here for 50 years.”
