Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate service — and mourn a leader

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis came together Tuesday night to honor the people who keep its mission moving. But the night’s most anticipated recognition — for Herbert Hoover director and Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones — became a memorial instead. Jones died just days before he was set to be celebrated for three decades of service.

Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones was set to receive the culminating honor for his 30 years of service on an evening that celebrated those who have committed themselves to the Club in various capacities. Four days before the ceremony, Jones passed away. He was 53 years old. His presence was felt even before the touching video encapsulating his career as director of the Herbert Hoover location — the moment he was supposed to be watching, filled with emotion.

“When I received notice that Reggie had nominated me for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Alumni Hall of Honor, my first thought was, wow,” said Allisa “AJ” Foster. “My second thought was, I couldn’t believe he actually remembered who I was.”

Foster joined Leon Algee, Carey Davis, Karl Grice and Brandon Wright as inductees of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Alumni Hall of Honor. As an alumna of the Herbert Hoover location, Foster saw Jones’ leadership in action.

“People like Mr. Reggie and Mr. Martin were creating something much bigger than an after-school program,” Foster said. “They were creating a community. And their community taught me one of my earliest lessons about service — when you give something to your community, you get something back. You gain confidence. You gain perspective.”

The night wasn’t all about him. Jones wouldn’t have wanted it that way. The National Award of Merit was given to August A. Busch III and Emily Koenig, executive director of the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund. National Service to Youth Awards, Carl Woods Volunteer of the Year awardees and the Richard H. Amberg Award — bestowed upon John Stupp III — were also presented. Nearly 20 employees were recognized with an Employee National Service to Youth Award. Grouped by years of service, they ranged from five to 25 years. One employee carried the distinction of 30 years of service. It was Reggie Jones.

A video was cued up that gave the aesthetic of a camcorder — the video technology used when Jones began his career at Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club in 1995. His starting salary was $5.25 an hour.

“Working at Herbert Hoover is the only full-time job I’ve ever had,” Jones said in the video. “I don’t even have a résumé. And if I did, all the positions would be from Herbert Hoover.”

Dr. Flint Fowler, who arrived at Herbert Hoover six months after Jones, created a position called public service coordinator and entrusted Jones to fill that role.

“I worked that role for about a year,” Jones said. “And then the athletic director came in one day and quit with no notice.”

Jones rose to the position of the Club’s director, which he held at the time of his passing.

“You couldn’t have told me January 3, 1996 that I would end up being here for 30 years,” Jones said in the video. “I mean, who do you know that works in a place for 30 years these days?”

Jones was one of one with respect to his contributions to BGCSTL.

“The two most important days of your life are the day that you’re born and the day that you find your purpose,” said President and CEO Dr. Brian Williams. “And honestly, Reggie was probably one of the first people I met that knew his purpose for as long as he did — when he turned 22 and was working for $5 an hour, which is unimaginable to me.”

Williams admitted that he didn’t have a chance to work as closely with Jones as some of the legacy staff, being only two years into his tenure. But longtime leader Dr. Flint Fowler described their nearly 30-year work relationship in the video.

“The term ‘Midas touch’ comes to mind when I think of him,” Fowler said. “You can have a job. You can rest on your laurels and be good enough. I think Reggie always looked to elevate his game — which means he elevated the impact of the programs and services that the Boys & Girls Club provides. But even then, he was still not satisfied.”

Alderwoman Laura Keys, who represents the 11th District — where Herbert Hoover is located — presented the family of Reggie Jones with two proclamations. His son, Koby Jones, accepted them on behalf of the family.

“My dad was a powerful man,” Koby said. “First, I want to thank the Boys & Girls Club for taking the time to honor my father for his 30 years of service.”

He thanked BGCSTL for recognizing his father’s hard work and thanked Keys for the resolution.

“It means a lot to me and my family to know that his hard work over the years and the impact that he has made will not be forgotten,” Koby said. “As his son, I’m proud to accept his award on his behalf — and I assure his legacy will evolve.”

Williams echoed Koby when he delivered his closing remarks.

“Reggie’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the young people he inspired and the community he served so faithfully,” Williams said.

The post Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate service — and mourn a leader appeared first on St. Louis American.