Youth club director gets national honor

INDIAN ISLAND – Carla Fearon, unit director of the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club, was honored Feb. 14 by the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Fearon is the recipient of the Native American Service to Youth Award, the highest national honor given by the Boys and Girls Club of America. Ron Gurley, chairman of the Native American National Advisory Committee presented the award to Fearon on Feb. 14.

Fearon was recognized as a club professional who symbolizes what makes a club effective. She was praised for understanding the importance of the mission of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and its significance to the children she serves, the local boys and girls club and her community.

Gurley said that she provides positive leadership and motivation to her staff and board of directors with whom she has worked since 2002.

Fearon has been instrumental in securing funding and implementing the highest quality of programs for Penobscot Nation youth, Gurley said.

Also on Feb. 14, Fearon was inducted as a member of the Native American National Advisory Committee. In that capacity, she will help guide Indian boys and girls clubs nationwide.

“From the inception of the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club, Carla has worked tirelessly with great drive, motivation and passion,” said Pamela Colson Power, a member of the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club board of directors who nominated Fearon. “Her exemplary accomplishments have led to our local club being recognized as a mentor club on a national level. She is an inspiration to all – community, state and nation.”

The Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club will sponsor its fifth annual dinner dance and silent auction at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor. To obtain more information about the event or the Boys and Girls Club, call 827-7776, ext. 7355.