Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties honors Carolyn Mason and Steve Cantees

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Carolyn Mason receives a 2022 Leadership Award on Sept. 9 from Sarasota High School senior Cobie B. during the 16th annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast.
Carolyn Mason receives a 2022 Leadership Award on Sept. 9 from Sarasota High School senior Cobie B. during the 16th annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast.

More than 300 business professionals, community leaders and philanthropists turned out on Sept. 9 for the 16th annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast that honored two local trailblazers for their commitment to empowering teens.

Initiated by Community Youth Development in 2006, the Leadership Breakfast was adopted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota/DeSoto in 2016. This year's event saluted the dedication of community leaders Carolyn Mason and Steve Cantees, Sarasota County's Secondary Schools executive director.

Former state senator Lisa Carlton served as MC. Nathan W., a senior at Pine View School, was co-MC.

Steve Cantees receives his Leadership Award after a presentation by Venice High senior Mallory L. and Pine View senior Juna H.
Steve Cantees receives his Leadership Award after a presentation by Venice High senior Mallory L. and Pine View senior Juna H.

"You all being here with us today directly benefits the programs that empower and inspire teens like me to achieve our full potential," Nathan said. "I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my Club mentors, a loving community, and people like you who believe in our potential.”

More than 300 business professionals, community leaders and philanthropists turned out on Sept. 9 for the 16th annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast.
More than 300 business professionals, community leaders and philanthropists turned out on Sept. 9 for the 16th annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast.

Sarasota High School senior Cobie B. presented Mason with the 2022 Leadership Award, and Mallory L., a senior at Venice High, and Juna H., a Senior at Pine View, presented Steve Cantees with a second Leadership Award.

“At the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, I have had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of programs," Nathan said. "In the Perlman Price Young Entrepreneurs Program, I learned the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship and the business world. After graduating from PYE, I was able to sharpen my business skills with PYE squared while simultaneously serving as a 'student trainer' for my peers."

Sponsors included Intertape Polymer Group; the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust; Caldwell Trust Company; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Shumaker; FCCI Insurance Group; Mabry Carlton Ranch; Cool Today; Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay; Sarasota County Sheriff's Office; Neal Communities; Shutts & Bowen; Ringling College of Art & Design; Nancy Mina; Synovus; The DeLieto Team at MS&C Commercial; Blistex, Williams Parker; Ric Smalley; Seacoast Bank; Martella Family Foundation; Captivation Agency; Palm Printing; and SRQ Media.

"Youth leadership is important because of its capability to highlight underrepresented voices in important discourse," Nathan said. "I truly believe that the Boys & Girls Clubs has instilled a sense of empowerment within myself and all its members."

From left, BGCSDC president Bill Sadlo, honorees Steve Cantees and Carolyn Mason, BGCSDC board member Lee DeLieto and board chair Meghan Serrano, and Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Brennan Asplen.
From left, BGCSDC president Bill Sadlo, honorees Steve Cantees and Carolyn Mason, BGCSDC board member Lee DeLieto and board chair Meghan Serrano, and Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Brennan Asplen.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota/DeSoto have played an integral role in the lives of youth for more than 50 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. For more information, visit bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.

Submitted by Yolanda Mancha

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: BGCSDC's 16th annual Leadership Breakfast honors dedication to youth