Annual Meeting

2022 Annual Meeting & Youth of the Year Celebration

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Doors open at 11:30 AM


Great Southern Club

2510 14th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Lonnie Johnson


At the Annual Meeting luncheon, you will hear from nuclear engineer and entrepreneur Dr. Lonnie Johnson. He is the inventor of the Super Soaker®, a best-selling toy generating well over $1 billion in sales over its lifetime. His longtime research focuses on energy technology, and his well-known toy resulted from his work on an environmentally friendly heat pump. He spent several years in the Air Force Space Nuclear Power Safety Section and worked as a systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to work on the Galileo mission.


Keynote Speaker

Dr. Lonnie Johnson


At the Annual Meeting luncheon, you will hear from nuclear engineer and entrepreneur Dr. Lonnie Johnson. He is the inventor of the Super Soaker®, a best-selling toy generating well over $1 billion in sales over its lifetime. His longtime research focuses on energy technology, and his well-known toy resulted from his work on an environmentally friendly heat pump. He spent several years in the Air Force Space Nuclear Power Safety Section and worked as a systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to work on the Galileo mission.

Agenda for Gulf Coast Youth

Together we can be champions for youth, ensuring that no matter where a kid is from or the circumstances that surround them, don’t determine their access positive experiences and opportunities that enable success in life.

Agenda for Gulf Coast Youth

Together we can be champions for youth, ensuring that no matter where a kid is from or the circumstances that surround them, don’t determine their access positive experiences and opportunities that enable success in life.

The State of kids and teens today gives us a glimpse of the future.

For years, after school programs have kept kids safe, inspired them to learn, and offered parents peace of mind that their children are constructively engaged in the hours between the end of the school day and when parents return from work. Yet, in Mississippi, America After 3PM found that for every child in an after school program, 3 are waiting to get in, with 63,413 children alone and unsupervised after school. But we know it doesn't have to be this way.

100% of all active Club members graduate from high school on time with a post-secondary plan for the future.

100% of active members are not involved in the juvenile justice system and report avoiding risky behavior such as smoking, alcohol, and marijuana.

92% of Club members get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity at the Club.

100% of all active Club members graduate from high school on time with a post-secondary plan for the future.

100% of active members are not involved in the juvenile justice system and report avoiding risky behavior such as smoking, alcohol, and marijuana.

92% of Club members get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity at the Club.

Our Priorities for Gulf Coast Youth

Physical & Mental Health

Young people are constantly faced with health and behavior choices. Making heathy decisions centered on physical and emotional wellness starts with good judgment, something Clubs teach every day.

Learn More About Physical & Mental Health Programs

Early Education &

Academic Success

Quality early childhood development and education programs play a key role in reducing risky health behaviors and preventing or delaying the onset of chronic disease in adulthood.
Early childhood development and education are key determinants of future health and well-being.

Learn More About Academic Success Programs

Workforce Development

A skilled and robust workforce is essential to the future of America’s economy. Young people of all backgrounds, especially those who have been traditionally underrepresented, must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to be successful in school, career and life.

Learn More About Workforce Development Programs
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