FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, [email protected]
THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUTH CENTRAL TENNESSEE LAUNCHES THE JOHN C. PORTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
- Honoring the legacy of John C. Porter and his many contributions to Maury County.
Columbia, Tennessee – November 4, 2024
John C. Porter
The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) announces the inauguration of the John C. Porter Scholarship Fund, established in fond memory of the late John Cheairs Porter—a visionary leader and instrumental figure in the organization’s founding.
Born on June 25, 1938, in Columbia, Tennessee, John Porter was raised on a farm along Bear Creek Pike. His familial roots extended deep into South Georgia, where he cherished time spent with cousins in Thomasville. In many ways, his remarkable life always traced back to the most admirable qualities of that kind farm boy. An accomplished scholar, he graduated from both the University of Tennessee and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His distinguished career as a chemical engineer took him across the globe, igniting a lifelong passion for travel and diverse cultures, and fostering a profound appreciation for cultural diversity that defined his open-minded character. Despite his international endeavors, his heart remained in Maury County, where he returned to raise his family and invest in the community that shaped his early years.
As a prominent leader in Columbia, Porter served on the City Council, was an active participant in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and contributed to numerous civic organizations. Notably, his pivotal collaboration with Ms. Ora Thompson led to the founding of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County.
Recognizing an urgent need to offer support and opportunities to the children of Columbia, Ora Thompson approached Porter with a proposal to invest $50,000 of her own money to sustain the club during its inaugural year. Together, they enlisted esteemed community leaders—including John Stephens, Rufus Clifford, Don Crichton, Bill Walter, and Darlene Baxter—to form an influential board of professionals that would lay the foundational groundwork for the Maury chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Their collective efforts resulted in the establishment of bylaws, the hiring of a full-time executive director, and laying the groundwork for the club’s long-term sustainability.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs owe their existence to a unique partnership between Ora Thompson and John C. Porter, who were both selfless, influential, thoughtful, lifelong inhabitants of Maury County,” said Eslick Daniel, longtime supporter of BGCSCTN and friend to both.
Over the course of 25 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN), formerly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County, expanded their reach from a single site to three clubs and 11 school sites, serving over 1,500 youth annually. The organization has established itself as a cornerstone of the community, providing essential services and support to children and families in some of the most underrepresented and under-resourced areas. As of 2024, BGCSCTN boasts a dedicated full-time staff of 16, part-time staff of 54, 50 volunteers, and 25 board members.
“Ora and John’s dedication to our community and their unwavering support for our youth have left the enduring legacy we inherited at the Clubs,” said Ginny Wright, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee. “The scholarship fund is a testament to John Porter’s life’s work, and with this scholarship, we continue to open doors for youth most in need.”
Donations to the John C. Porter Scholarship Fund will directly benefit the youth of Giles and Maury Counties. These funds will continue the mission of Ora Thompson and John C. Porter in supporting the children of our community. They will be used to reduce—and in some cases completely waive—membership fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from participating in our programs. Additionally, the scholarship may support initiatives such as sponsoring college visits, educational workshops, or extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and development.
The community is invited to honor John C. Porter’s legacy by contributing to the scholarship fund. Your support will help continue the provision of indispensable services to the youth of Maury County, nurturing the next generation of community leaders.
For more information on how to donate to the John C. Porter Scholarship Fund, please visit the organization’s website HERE or contact Missy Naff at 931-490-9401 ext. 2604 or email [email protected].
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,500 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and its programs, please visit BGCSCTN.