Joy Clark and NC Govenor, Josh Stein
The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is proud to announce that two members of its Board of Directors, Denice Dunn and Joy Clark, have been recognized for outstanding volunteer leadership and service to the community.
Dunn, Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, received the 2026 Beverly Burton New Board Member of the Year Award for her leadership and support of the Boys & Girls Club movement. Presented annually by Boys & Girls Clubs of North Carolina, the award honors exceptional new board volunteers who make a meaningful impact on their local Clubs.
Before becoming Board Chair this year, Dunn spent four years volunteering in the Club’s Read to Learn program, a one‑on‑one tutoring initiative based on the Wilson Reading System. The multi‑sensory, phonics‑based program pairs each student with a tutor for two one‑hour sessions per week and often supports members for two to three years until they reach reading proficiency. Read to Learn was recently recognized by the North Carolina Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs as the Best Educational Program in the State.
Joy Clark was also honored with the 2026 Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service, North Carolina’s highest honor for volunteerism. Presented annually by VolunteerNC, the award recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions to their communities.
BGCP Board Chair Denice Dunn
Clark was recognized for volunteer service with Blue Ridge Early College, Blue Ridge School, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, and Summit Charter School. She served as Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau from 2022 to 2025 and continues tutoring students through Read to Learn. She also leads initiatives including Career Day, Junior Leadership at The Plateau, Thrive 101 for seniors, and the annual Teacher Recognition Breakfast.
Clark’s leadership helped expand the organization from serving 150 students to more than 600 youth annually, earning national recognition and broadening opportunities for children and families across the region.
“The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau is incredibly fortunate to have leaders like Denice Dunn and Joy Clark,” said Carmen Waite, CEO. “Their dedication, service, and commitment to our mission and the region’s youth continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people throughout our community.”
About the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau: The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau serves youth in kindergarten through 12th grade in the Cashiers and Highlands communities. Recognized as one of the top 20 Clubs among 5,200 nationwide, the organization offers programs that support academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles in a safe, supportive environment after school and during the summer.
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