BE GREAT: Graduate is a Boys & Girls Clubs of America mentoring program designed enhance Club members’ engagement with learning by providing the skills needed to achieve academic success.

The program, hosted and partially funded by the Capitol Unit Torch Club, opened with a welcome by Capitol Unit Vice President and Torch Club member Kaleb, 11, followed by a blessing by Torch Club member Mercedes, 11. After an inspirational speech by Kaleb about the importance of graduation, we were treated to an a cappella musical selection by Club member, six-year-old Catia. Everyone then enjoyed a lovely meal before the big moment.

One by one, our BE GREAT: Graduate participants were called up by Capitol Unit President and Torch Club member Talia, 11, to accept their diplomas for the 2013 year. Unit Director Sharon Brown stood by Talia’s side to give each graduate a hug. A handshake would not do! We’re so proud of each and every one of our BE GREAT: Graduates! We’re looking forward next year!

A group of teens sit talking amongst themselves after finishing an afternoon snack at BGCCM Capitol Unit. King Edward Hotel Chef Nick Wallace enters in a pristine white chef’s coat and black pinstripe apron. All eyes follow him as he crosses the floor to an empty table. He begins setting up for a cooking demonstration. Watching him unpack containers of fresh ingredients, the teens’ interest increases with each item placed on the table. Chef Nick, the executive chef of the Southern Culinary Collection for Hilton Hotels, soon begins to heat pans and encourages the kids to come up to the table.

Chef Nick, at the BGCCM for a Healthy Lifestyles cooking demonstration, talks with the kids about the ingredients: homemade, wheat flour cavaletti pasta, diced tomatoes, freshly picked cilantro, pablano and serrano peppers, rotisserie chicken…Then the cooking begins. Soon a heavenly aroma wafts through the air, enveloping the group – making mouths water. Explaining each step during the demonstration, the chef encourages the teens to go home and try to make the pasta dish themselves.

Then the pièce de résistance – everyone gets a taste! Forks enter waiting mouths, eyes close in satisfaction and smiles creep onto faces revealing nothing but culinary bliss.

Some wait in anticipation for a chance at second helpings. Chef Nick enlists E’Darrin, 15, to try his hand at cooking. Seconds are on the way!

Hail soon pounds the roof. Staff reassures and soothes the children, keeping the situation under control until the worst of the storm past. The weather calms and the kids are permitted to relax. Most staff stays with them. Some sit talking with younger members, still anxious. Jayda, 6, and Aukyli, 8, fold their small hands and bow their heads to pray. One staff member heads toward the door.

With the threat over, Program Instructor David Brown goes outside ignoring the rain as he scoops up as many balls of ice as possible before they melt. He’s going to take the mystery out of what was making that noise. After a short while, he approaches the children with a basket of hail and soon, their anxiety turns into curiosity and questions.

All the kids want to touch a hailstone; some want to keep a piece, but there’s not enough for each so it’s not possible. Mr. Brown answers questions as to how hail is formed and tells one young lady, Talia, 11, yes, you can carefully test it to see how hard it is. She soon finds out that’s it’s not something she can bite.

Mr. Brown with his basket of hail lifts spirits and a lesson is learned.