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March 2010

Middle Tennessee Youth of the Year Candidate


Denzel Caldwell

Montgomery Bell Academy Senior, Denzel Caldwell will represent the Preston Taylor Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, and the YMCA as its 9th Youth of the Year.  Denzel, an honor student at MBA has been an active member of the center since 2002.  He is also is a member of other YMCA programs such as the SEAL team, Black Achievers, and Student Y.  Last year Denzel starred in a short teen film entitled “Alone in the Real World”.  This film dealt with controversial issues such as teen pregnancy, peer pressure, drugs, and more.  Denzel recently scored a 27 on the ACT and an 1880 on the SAT.  Denzel ihas indicated he wants to major in Business/Accounting, and is considering attending either Vanderbilt University, Belmont, University, or Morehouse College  In February, Denzel will compete locally against 4 other “Youth of the Year” candidates from for a $5000 scholarship from the Tennessee Titans.  Good Luck Denzel!

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Twenty two youth made A/B honor roll at the Preston Taylor/YMCA Youth Development Center! Recently, 22 kids were honored at a special incentive party for making the A/B honor roll during the second 9 weeks of school.  The kids enjoyed pizza, wings, and other goodies for their hard work. Seven teenagers were given new Cricket cell phones for making good grades during the second 9 weeks. Way to Go!

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Starlings Volleyball is Underway!

Any young lady interested in participating in our Starlings Volleyball program please contact us at 615-341-0101 for more information. 

November 2009

Club Members from the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA Appear on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

15 teens from the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA were recently given the opportunity to participate in the presentation of a home on the popular television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The show came to Clarksville, TN and played host to Boys & Girls Clubs alumni and current R & B superstar, Usher. The Club Members were able to help with presenting the newly constructed home to the lucky family and were then given the opportunity to meet Usher and his staff after the taping of the show. According to Club Director, Dantriel McWilliams, it was truly an unforgettable experience for all who were fortunate enough to participate. Check out photos from the taping below.


A crowd gathers just outside the newly-constructed house




The film crew shooting part of the episode




The show's host, Ty Pennington, greets his team

October 2009

Club Update

The school year has gotten off to a great start this year for the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA.  There are currently 65 youth and teens registered as Club Members, with an average daily attendance of approximately 47 Club Members.  The Club has been lucky enough to have generous volunteers from Tennessee State University and Montgomery Bell Academy to assist Club Members during the Power Hour homework club. This year, the Club Members can earn incentive dollars when they complete a homework assignment or read a book while they are at the Club.

Nashville Predators Street Pride Event a Success with Club Members

On Monday, October 19, 2009, the Nashville Predators held a hockey clinic at the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA as a part of this year’s Street Pride Program. The Predators’ forward, Joel Ward; goal tender, Pekka Rinne; and infamous mascot, GNASH, greeted an excited group of Club Members, who were able to participate in a hockey clinic and scrimmages. Additionally, a full set of hockey equipment was donated to the Club for future use.  The program is an NHL initiative with the goal of organizing a street hockey program within local communities by having the various teams partner with community centers to put on hockey clinics, donate equipment, and provide follow-up lessons. Take a look at photos of the day below.


Club Members work with players to learn basic hockey skills


Predators player, Patrick Hornqvist, works with Club Members




Predators mascot, GNASH, scrimmages with Club Members


Two Club Members take a break from a scrimmage to pose for a photo


Hornqvist rounds up Club Members as the clinic comes to a close

Keith Bulluck Donates Titans Tickets to Club Members and Families

Tennessee Titans’ linebacker, Keith Bulluck, recently donated tickets to Club Members and their families in order to give them the opportunity to attend a Titans’ game this season. Club Members enjoyed a night of fun, watching the game, and snacking on concessions with their family members. Thank you to Keith Bulluck for making this possible!




Club Members and families enjoy the game

American General Generously Donates to the Preston Taylor Club

American General recently started a campaign entitled "Denim for Dollars" in order to raise money for the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA.  The premise of the campaign is that employees can pay $5 in order to wear blue jeans to work and the proceeds benefit the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA.  A whopping total of $775 was raised just this month and we want to extend a huge thank you to American General for their generous contribution.

September 2009

Tennessee Titan’s Keith Bulluck Participates in Backpack Giveaway
for Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA

On Monday August 24, 2009, Tennessee Titan Keith Bulluck and Soles4Souls, a charity dedicated to providing shoes to adults and children in need, donated backpacks with school supplies and gift cards for brand new shoes to approximately 50 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA. The youth ventured to Baptist Sports Park, where Keith Bulluck presented them with backpacks and a short talk on the importance of education and success in the upcoming school year.  The day only got better as the attending youth were able to view an official Titans practice session, as well. This event marks the fourth year that Keith Bulluck and the Believe and Achieve Foundation have provided youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA with school supplies, better equipping them for success. Click here to view the video documenting the event. Photos of the event can be seen below.



Club Members happily receive their backpacks and school supplies.


Club Members at Baptist Sports Park

Titans Tailgate Held to Benefit
Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA

Vince Young Foods and The Playmakers Foundation presented the “Step Your Game Up & Stop the Violence” Tailgate on September 20, 2009 at The Place, a local blues bar.  Fans were able to enjoy the game, great food, giveaways, and a silent auction of Titans/Oilers memorabilia. Additionally, former Titans players attended in order to participate in a small meet and greet with the fans. All of the proceeds from the tailgate event benefited the Preston Taylor Boys & Girls Club/YMCA. In addition to benefiting the local Boys & Girls Club, the tailgate was also held in order to raise awareness for the issue of gun violence and to encourage community members to take a stand.