After going through parts of a pandemic-stricken 2020 and 2021, Devon Yurko can’t wait for the start of the 2021-22 school year and the start of in person classes.
Yurko is executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, which includes clubs in Giles and Maury counties. While not employed by any school system, his work is affected by what school districts do.
Boys and Girls Clubs operate after school programs for students and are seeking ways to supplement what students learn in class, he said,
Yurko spoke at the June meeting of the Giles County Chapter of the National Associating for the Advancement of Colored People, one of a series of local news makers to come before the branch, at the Pulaski Event Center on North First Street.
In the 2019-20 school year, students attended schools virtually, or by computer, much of the year instead of in person, which made learning more difficult for some. It also limited programs and chances to hear speakers.
To offer students different perspectives, Yurko said the Boys and Girls Clubs always are seeking guest speakers.
“We are looking for those who want to come and talk about their work experiences,” Yurko said,
Noting former Giles County General Sessions Judge John Damron in the audience, Yurko said, “We would like to have you come.”
Formerly a separate organization, the Pulaski Boys and Girls Club closed a few years ago before becoming a single organization with its counterpart in Maury County,
Through the Boys and Girls Clubs, field trips are organized for students. After school sessions to help students with their studies also are held there.
In other business:
• County Commissioner Joseph Sutton, who also is NAACP branch president, reminded the audience that county commission and county committee meetings are open to the public to those who want to listen, to offer opinions and to ask questions.
Pulaski City Council meetings and those of Ardmore, Elkton and Minor Hill city and town governments also are open to the public.
• Hardin Franklin, an NAACP member gave a general update on the area economy and often comments on City of Pulaski business. He is a Pulaski City Councilman.
• Treasurer Max Trotter gave a monthly report.
• Efforts of the Giles County Democratic Party to obtain candidates to run for local offices, ranging from aldermen and councilmen to county commissioners, local office holders and also officials such as state representative and state senator were discussed.
The Democratic Party will hold classes to work with candidates, Trotter said.
Local Democrats have named a subcommittee to seek and encourage candidates.
• Plans were mentioned for recognition of the late J. R. McClure on the press box at Jack Deer Field at Sam Davis Park.
• An update was given by Sutton on the progress in filling principal ships and administrative positions in Giles County Schools.