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LeMoyne, Chez Pierre, and Girls and Boys Town Roll Out the Red Carpet
Article published Aug 2, 2006
Dorothy Clifford /SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Girls and Boys Town Honored
About 50 residents of Girls and Boys Town of North Florida were honored July 20 at an awards banquet at
the FSU Alumni Center. Girls and Boys Town is a leader in the treatment and care of abused, abandoned
and neglected girls and boys and evolved from the original Father Flanagan's Boys' Home.
Tallahassee has five long-term residential homes where married couples, known as family-teachers, live
with six girls or boys who range in ages from 10 to 18. The couples, with the help of an assistant, ensure
that the children's physical, spiritual, emotional and treatment needs are met.
“The community responded in such a wonderful way,” said Dena Strickland, development director for Girls
and Boys Town. Mike's Limousines drove youngsters to the banquet; Sacino's Formal Wear provided tuxedoes
for the boys and the Junior League of Tallahassee took care of formals for the girls. Other contributions
included donations for the red carpet, gifts for each child, flowers, photography, video, and invitations
and programs.
Michele and Dr. Shane Burkhead, a veterinarian with North Florida Animal Hospital, chaired the event.
Ken Bender, CEO of Girls and Boys Town, recognized the family teachers: Tahitia and Ricky Hubbard, Pam and
Terence Hatcher, Gerald and Mica Sanders, Courtney and Wesson Amerson and Anna and Clint Fleetwood.
Garrett Johnson, a 2006 Rhodes scholar, gave a moving talk. The 2005 honors graduate from Florida State
University advised the young people not to fear being the first in their families to do something. Never
be afraid to be the first to graduate from high school, to get a job, or to go to college, he said, and
to set high goals for your life.
Johnson, who has a joint degree in political science and English literature, is the 2006 NCAA indoor and
outdoor shot put champion and also is ranked among the top 15 shot-putters in the world.
In addition, he has volunteered in Haiti, distributing food and medical supplies, and worked as legislative
assistant to Gov. Jeb Bush. During his time in the governor's office, Johnson wrote a comprehensive analysis
of two U.S.-Haiti trade agreements.
Tallahassee Police Chief Walt McNeil was master of ceremonies. He's an active board member for Girls
and Boys Town.
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