Boys & Girls Club Names Employees of the Year 

For their dedication to serving youth and always going above and beyond to do whatever it takes for Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri members, Melanie Osteen and Ryan Willoughby have been named BGC’s part-time and full-time employees of the year.

The two were honored during BGC’s annual staff and board celebration, held October 2 at Red Cedars Event Barn, which also recognized other staff and board members for their tireless efforts this year.

Osteen is the Program Manager at BGC’s newest Club Site in Dresden, which is in its third year of operation. She was previously a Youth Development Professional at the Washington Site. Her nominators noted that she is, “an invaluable asset to our organization. Not only did she provide excellent leadership during the uncertainty this summer, she has also built an excellent relationship with the Pettis County R-XII School District; their school board always has compliments about the Dresden Site and the work Melanie does.”

Willoughby has been with BGC since 2013, moving from a Youth Development Professional and Program Director to his full-time roll as Site Director at The CLUB, which serves fifth grade and up. Willoughby was recognized for his, “passion and energy about his work that always shines through. Ryan actively listens to staff concerns and has a collaborative and encouraging leadership style that promotes positive energy at his site. Ryan is always thinking of new and creative ideas for his members while also helping the Resource Development Team with fundraising efforts and donor relations.”

“It is such an honor and privilege to work with these two individuals,” said BGC Director of Operations Tyler Hudson. “They are both natural leaders and always step up to do whatever it takes for the kids we serve. Melanie and Ryan bring a positive outlook to our organization that goes hand-in-hand with youth development.”

Other award winners during the celebration were Jimmy Longnecker, Volunteer of the Year; Sedalia 200 School District and Parkview Elementary Principal Stephanie Jackson, Community Partner of the Year; the BGC Dance-Off Battle, Fun Moment of the Year; the All-Stars Basketball League, Member Moment of the Year; BGC Staff efforts to assist Sedalia 200 with meal prep, Best Service Project of the Year; the Parkview Makerspace Program, Best Program of the Year; Director of Operations Tyler Hudson, Professional Development Award; and Special Events Director Andrea Smith, Whatever It Takes Moment of the Year.

PT – Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri Executive Director Gary Beckman presents Dresden Site Program Manager Melanie Osteen with a part-time employee of the year award.

FT - Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri Executive Director Gary Beckman presents The CLUB Site Director Ryan Willoughby with a full-time employee of the year award.