DALEK, age 7

As Dalek’s hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, might say, “You need to keep your eye on the prize.” Dalek’s prize is pro hoops.

The East Side Club, where he’s been coming for a year, gives him a place to practice his Super-Shot and hoop skills, as well as flag football. He’s learned a lot about performing in front of people, and not just in sports. He was even part of last summer’s “Kids in the City” show at St. Paul RiverCentre.

For Dalek, the Club is a good place to knock out your math homework, play some games, and get some time on the computers. He respects the space and the staff, who teach him the discipline he needs to excel. The Club is like a family — and not just because his brother and two sisters are members, too.

Maybe someday Dalek will have a spare million dollars to give back to the Club. They could use a bigger gym, and maybe a smaller Super-Shot. Then maybe kids his age could see that net.

THAO, age 11

Every artist needs a safe place to work. For the past two years, Thao’s “studio” has been the East Side Club. At first, it was just a safe place to hang out after school when her mom worked late. However, she soon discovered the Art and Education room. Now, creating art is her favorite thing to do at the Club. Thao even helps decorate the Art room.

There are always new friends to meet, and new projects to start at the Club. Thao thinks the Club is great for kids like her. When she’s not busy with homework or art projects, she loves to grab her friends and play “Dance Dance Revolution” in the game room. She also enjoys spending time with Ms. Chambers, the Club’s education director, who’s always there to help with homework.

Thao wants to be an interior or clothing designer someday. By the look of the Art and Education room, she’s off to a pretty good start.

MARCUS, age 15

Before his mom convinced him to check out the East Side Club, ten-year-old Marcus was finding the usual amount of trouble in his spare time. Five years later, that's long behind him. His goal of getting into the U of M or Mankato State means focusing on school, where he has found a particular interest in Biology. It takes maturity, discipline, and motivation, all of which Marcus has found at the Club.

He’s learned to listen to good advice, too. His ROTC advisors at Harding High School are great for that, as well as helping him with his schoolwork. At the Club, Diana Adamson (Program Director) and Andrew Jones (Branch Director) are like a second mom and dad. Marcus knows they’re always ready to listen or lend a helping hand.

And what about all that free time? The Club helps fill his schedule. It’s taken him to Chicago, and out into the community as a volunteer. He’s been busy learning Hmong, working on the Club’s nationally-recognized diversity documentary “Finding You in Me,” playing Senior League basketball, and spending time with Marquita — his twin sister and fellow Club member.

It’s no wonder Marcus hasn’t decided yet where he wants to go in life. At fifteen, you can go anywhere.

KHUE, age 16

When you have a sister that’s just the coolest, it’s only natural to check out the things she loves. Khue figured if belonging to the Boys & Girls Club was as fun as it looked for her sister, she’d try it out as well. That was three years ago. Today, Khue can’t imagine life without the Club.

She’s learning to be a leader and working in her community. In addition to being the Secretary for the Keystone Club, she volunteers at Regions Hospital translating for Hmong immigrants. She also loves working with the younger kids at the Club, and helping to organize the activities. Khue enjoys helping them with problems, just as she looks to the staff for support and help with her schoolwork.

Getting to feel like a leader, learning AND having fun at the same time? It worked for Khue’s sister and it’s working for her, too.