March 2011

Dear BYGA:
Wow! Things have really changed since my last update. I recently was offered a position as a High School Science teacher for an “At-risk Urban alternative school,” for this coming fall. I am overly excited and honored that I can give back to my community and make a difference in the teen’s future. This opportunity gives me the initial experience needed to later become an Administrator. It also allows me to mentor closely with troubled youth and help them overcome both personal and academic struggles.
Kristin Alexander

february 2011

Dear BYGA:
Graduating college and continuing my education has truly been an interesting experience. I have been an assistant teacher in chemistry for the past six-months and am really enjoying it. It has helped me to realize my purpose in life. I want to be an educator and help children to become promising leaders of tomorrow. It is a known fact that American children are not where they should be academically in science. So it is my duty to provide above- the -standard academic skills in science for underrepresented and less fortunate students. I would rather contribute to the lives of others through education, than to become another scientific researcher. My next step is to teach High School science and later become Superintendent. Due to my past experience I believe I have answers to fix the academic problems our country is facing today.
Kristin Alexander

 

January 2011

Hello,
(an update to the BYGA board) I will be returning to Murray.  I am currently debating on what my major shall be. I have been pursuing learning and behavioral disorders but I may be changing to nursing. If I decided to do nursing I will be coming home this fall to attend Henderson's community college. I am moving forward. Backyard games has been a wonderful blessing within my life. I want to thank each member of the council for everything they do for me. I want to say thanks for everything. You truly have helped make my college experience ten times different and better. Thank you!!
PS. I will be sending my grades shortly.
Always,
Mindy Duncan

 

December 2010

Happy Holidays to BYGA and those who help sponsor the scholarship recipients. I would like to thank you all for your support and for helping me successfully complete my first year of graduate school. Not only was it a challenge for me academically, but it was also a test of my faith. Now that the transition phase is over I know what is expected of me and I will go into the second semester with greater determination. Thank you for your financial gifts and enjoy this time with family and friends.
- Kristin Alexander

A Message from Mindy Duncan

"I currently receive $500 per semester from Backyard Games, and each month a $50 gift card to Walmart to help with other expenses. I have maintained a 3.0 GPA. I was recently diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is very true; I cannot do tests at all. But accommodations are being made and things should improve a lot.

Backyard Games provides more than just money for school to me. I receive calls encouraging me to do my best. I truly know that everyone on board with this wonderful program believes in me, and believes I can achieve great things. As a freshmen in my first year away from home, this is very nice. You are not told everyday that you can do something, so when I receive a call from a member of Backyard Games, it is like I am talking to my second family. This is what Backyard Games is to me."  --Mindy Duncan

A Message from Kristin Alexander

Note the following note was sent to Mr. Butler as an update on a BYGA recipient.

B.Y.G.A –
As a scholarship recipient I currently receive $1000.00 each semester and $50 per month. I can truly say that Backyard Games of America is here for me emotionally and financially. There is never a time when I need more money or just someone to encourage me through hard times that I couldn’t call Mr. Butler. I know that I have the support of G.Y.G.A to see me get past any hardship. So I would like to simply say thank you for all of your support.
- Kristin Alexander

Note: the following note was sent to Lawrence Butler to be read at the BYGA gala.

To the distinguished Backyard Games of America Committee and guests :
I would like to apologize for my absence tonight. I really wish I could be with all of you, but due to my first year as a PhD student in Chemistry at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, I am unable to be there. This past week has been a tough start; relocating to another state, taking exams and training have put me in a tight time situation.

I would like to give a warm thank you to everyone who came out to support this foundation and especially those who made all of this possible. This scholarship has truly been a blessing to receive. I first became a recipient during my senior year as an undergraduate student. While I was a full time student, and working a full time job as a hotel clerk, I met Mr. and Mrs. Butler, they are truly the nicest people you will ever meet. Mr. and Mrs. Butler would often see me studying in between working during their visit. It was very important to me to maintain good grades and support myself as a young adult, but at times it could be very overwhelming. I am thankful that Mr. and Mrs. Butler saw the drive for success in my eyes and heart and wanted to help me become successful by providing resources. Once I gain my doctorate degree, I will continue what they have started by doing my part by blessing others like those of you who helped bless me.

Thank You,
Kristin Alexander