By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Skooter McCoy was sworn in as the third general manager in the history of the Cherokee Boys Club (CBC) during a breakfast ceremony at the Chestnut Tree Inn on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The new CBC Board of Directors was also installed for a two-year term.
“It’s a beautiful morning for me and my family,” said McCoy who related that his first paycheck came from the CBC when he was 14 and worked for a summer in the JTPA program. “My family and I have been truly blessed. It is vital to remember the values and work ethic that got us here today.”
McCoy said there will be many challenges going forward, but he related, “I am confident that our future is bright. Our strong faith and determination will see us through.”
He spoke highly of the past two general managers, Ray Kinsland, who served from 1932-2010, and Tommy Lambert, who served from 2010-2014.
Saying the CBC will continue to work every day under its motto “By Prayer and By Work”, McCoy said, “We will continue to drive and take this organization into the future. I cannot begin to express my level of commitment to this position. It is truly an honor.”
At the beginning of Wednesday’s ceremony, Lambert recognized the outgoing Board of Directors who served from Oct. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2014 including: Wilbur Paul, president; Robert Lambert, vice president; Tiffani Reed, secretary; Terry S. Bradley, assistant secretary; Albert Arch, board member; Wanda Lawless, business representative; Beth Bradley Grant, board member; Big Cove Rep. Perry Shell, Tribal representative; and Cole Wildcatt, student representative.
Vice Chief Larry Blythe offered the Oath of the Office for the new Board of Directors who will serve from Oct. 1, 2014 – Sept. 30, 2016. The new Board includes: Cory Blankenship, president; Albert Arch, vice president; Tiffani Reed, secretary; Beth Bradley Grant, assistant secretary; Robert Lambert, board member; Jack Davis, board member; Carmaleta Monteith, business member; Rep. Perry Shell, Tribal representative; and Jason McMillan, student representative.
“Your organization is only as good as your people, and this organization is doing very well,” said Vice Chief Blythe.
Lambert, who started with the CBC in September 1984, officially retired from the Club on Friday, Oct. 3. “The Cherokee Boys Club is a staple in this community. The Cherokee Boys Club motto is ‘By Prayer and By Work’. You can’t work for a better company that has a motto like that.”
“The Boys Club will give an opportunity to anyone in this community when a lot of other organizations won’t give them an opportunity.”
He said the CBC was great in giving him opportunities and helping build confidence throughout his career. “Four years ago, they gave me the ultimate compliment by being the second general manager of the Boys Club in the past 50 years.”
To view and purchase photos from this event, visit https://onefeather.smugmug.com/2014-Community-and-News-Events/Cherokee-Boys-Club/i-JHMBD92