“Many times recognition is given to the people most visible, but often there are unsung heroes behind the scenes who deserve to be singled out,” said outgoing Rotary Club president Davis Smith. “We believe that Wardell Carter is one who meets the criteria.”

“When I was 18, I had decided I was going to leave the Northern Neck and never look back,” said Carter. “I didn’t appreciate what was here until I left, but it didn’t take long to figure out how great this place really is.”

Carter has been associated with the Boys and Girls Club since its inception in 2005 and has had a significant impact on the club, its members, its board of directors and the community.

Lara Brown and Myra Palin, Counselors for the Lancaster Middle School for grades 4 through 8, affirm that the Boys and Girls Club is providing a much needed positive place for students to go after school. Prior to this, many went to empty homes.

Prior to joining the staff, Carter spent 25 years in various positions in youth programs in Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland and King William counties. He is a people person totally devoted to helping all youth in the Northern Neck become upstanding members of our community and have fun doing it, said Rotary Club publicity chairman Roy Cameron.

Carter is a quiet and effective leader who is looked up to and respected, said Cameron.

“I had to learn the multi-layered approach to discipline as taught by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. It is subtle but amazingly effective using incentives and peer pressure to accomplish the desired results,” said Carter.

Most of the kids Carter has disciplined go on to become his most productive members, said Cameron.

Carter deflects personal praise and speaks about how well his supervisor, Larry Long, has meshed with the operation, said Cameron. He cites how effective the mentors are in making a difference in members’ lives, especially the seniors who volunteer their time to read with the kids and tutor them.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck is offering programs in educational and career development, character and leadership, health and life skills, arts, sports, fitness and recreation to a summer membership of 187.

Some 100 kids are now coming into the club every day for programs. This number is expected to swell with the opening of the new insulated, climate controlled gym, according to Carter. There is even a new floor for the basketball court.

“The Northern Neck Rotary Club is proud to recognize Wardell Cater with the 2011 Community Service Award,” said incoming Rotary Club president Karen Knull. “He joins a select group of inspiring members of the community who have been recognized in the past by our club. They include Carroll Ashburn, Dr. Elizabeth “Sissy” Crowther, Joe Curry, Connie Deagle RN, Tom Goss, Doug Monroe, Jean Nelson, Austin Roberts and Dr. Rocky Tingle.” 

The 2011 CAPINNÉ Paddle Wheel Riverboat Cruise will depart White Point Marina promptly at 5 p.m. July 16 for a three-hour cruise. Boarding will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Bus transportation will be provided at a nominal additional cost departing Chesapeake Commons at 3:30 p.m. For fees, directions or to reserve tickets, visit nnrotary.org, or call 435-4169.