Selma Council Honors Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County Members at Selma Clubhouse Proclamation E

SELMA, NC — In a heartfelt celebration of local youth, the Selma Town Council convened Monday, June 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County’s Selma location. With more than 60 club members from across Johnston County in attendance, alongside community supporters and staff, the meeting honored the children with a special, all-inclusive session. 

Mayor Byron McAllister, joined by Councilmembers Amy West Whitely, William Overby, and Joe Scarboro, formally proclaimed this week National Boys & Girls Club Week and encouraged all Selma residents to support the Club’s mission and programs actively. Notably, this annual observance takes place from June 23 to 29, 2025, celebrating the vital contributions of Clubs nationwide. 

Held in the familiar environment of the Selma clubhouse, the event invited children to fully participate in the government meeting, allowing them to give the pledge of allegiance, hear from Matt Taliaferro, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake & Johnston Counties who emphasized how “community and government coming together” play a crucial role in providing supportive club environments for children, highlighting the powerful impact of partnerships on youth development. Johnston County Commissioner Ted Godwin highlighted the club’s impressive record of “zero school dropouts, zero teen pregnancies, zero youth using drugs,” underscoring the remarkable achievements of its members. He commended the children for their dedication and discipline, attributing these outcomes to their hard work and commitment. 

Mayor Byron McAllister read the proclamation, and the council approved it unanimously. The children were engaged throughout the event, reciting The Pledge of Allegiance. They were asked to share their impressions when Mayor McAllister inquired, “Do you enjoy coming to the Boys & Girls Clubs?” The children all shouted, “Yes!!” 

Following the official proclamation, attendees enjoyed cupcakes and refreshments. The informal gathering offered young members a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with community leaders and Club representatives. 

Other Distinguished attendees included: 

• Johnston County Commissioner Michael Rose
• Heather Brosz White, Director, Government & Foundation Relations, NC Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs 
• John C. Welch, VP, Resource Development & Marketing, Wake & Johnston Clubs
• Jean Kelly, Founder & Unit Advisory Board Member, Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County
• Denton Lee, Advisory Board Member, Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County 
• Selma town officials: Town Manager Alexis Carter, Assistant Town Manager & Fire Chief Philip McDaniels, Town Clerk Dalton Larsen‑Batten, and PIO Jenna Evans 

Kelly Blanchard, Director of Resource Development and Community Engagement for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston, praised the support: 

“We are grateful to the Town of Selma and Johnston County for standing behind our mission. Your support empowers these children, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as responsible, caring citizens.” 

The gathering not only recognized the significant impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Johnston County but also deepened connections between youth, mentors, and community leaders, all within the familiar and encouraging setting of their clubhouse. 

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnston County 

The Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County's mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.