%20Presents%20Lisa%20Hamilton%20(left)%20with%20Champion%20of%20Youth%20Award%20(2).jpg "Boys and Girls Club of the Virgin Islands Executive Director O'Neil Canton (right) presents Lisa Hamilton (left) with Champion of Youth Award at the St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association meeting on March 10.")
The Boys and Girls Club of America has awarded Lisa Hamilton, president of U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (USVIHTA) the Champion of Youth Award for her diligent work with the organization. Hamilton has proven to be a champion for the children of the territory as she volunteers to assist with school work and heads up several events with the club throughout the year.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Hamilton. “It’s a wonderful feeling to work with children and those who nurture their intellectual and emotional development. By supporting the Boys and Girls Club (BG&C), we support the future leaders of the territory.”
The award is one of the most prestigious honors given by the Boys and Girls Club of America. It is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond in service and commitment to youth at Boys and Girls Clubs across the country.
“Lisa is the fairy godmother of the St. Thomas Boys and Girls Club, always assisting with their every need. She assists in providing for the needs of the members of the club, from providing snacks to ensuring that every member has a meaningful Christmas through the gift drive and Christmas party,” said O’Neil Canton, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of the V.I.
Hamilton accepted the award on behalf of the association and its members, who also work to support the B&GC. She uses her role as USVIHTA president to promote the organization and encourage members to volunteer. In addition, Hamilton and the association host the Annual Thanksgiving Lunch and Annual Boys and Girls Club Holiday Party. Gifts for the children are donated by members.
The club is the largest youth development organization in the territory, according to their Web site. Its purpose is to help young people ages 7 to 17 improve their lives by building self-esteem, and developing values and skills during their critical periods of growth. Programs are delivered by a staff of professionals and volunteers, many offered in collaboration and partnership with local schools and other community organizations.
For more information about the local chapter of the B&GC, visit www.boysandgirlsclubvi.org. Working with the B&GC is one of many things the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association does to support community outreach. To learn more about the association and its membership, visit www.usvihta.com.
