CLUB CHAMPIONS QUARTER 4 • 2025
Annual Corporate Meeting & Dinner Battle of the Leon Renewed 2025 Winter Wonderland Fundraiser
2025 Annual Corporate Meeting & Dinner Ralph Wilson Youth Club hosted its Annual Meeting and Corporate Dinner on October 23. The annual event provides an opportunity for TEAM RWYC to report to our loyal supporters about the status of THEIR youth club and to highlight the excellence of youth, employees and volunteers that have exceeded expectations of excellence. Over 125 parents, supporters, youth and employees were in attendance for this year’s meeting. Eight individuals were recognized for their excellence on this evening. The food and fellowship complimented a day that has become truly special for all in attendance. The youth club truly serves to uplift and inspire our youth, staff and volunteers.
J’Ceon Chiles-Taplin is a 5th grade student at Temple ISD’s Raye-Allen Elementary. J’Ceon has been attending Ralph Wilson Youth Club for the past four years. As a lifelong resident of Temple, J’Ceon’s family has deep ties to Blue Front White back and the Wildcat Nation. J’Ceon defines what it means to be a ‘club kid’. He is never one to sit still as he is a constant blur in the gymnasium. His athletic prowess is on display on the football field and basketball court. He is the quarterback for the Temple Chargers team, and he is often the leader on his basketball team. In addition to attending the youth club, J’Ceon has been a participant in RWYC’s basketball program for 4 years. J’Ceon’s favorite football player is George Pickens and his favorite basketball player is Michael Jordan. His favorite area of study in school is math. Given his choice of meals, he prefers Wing Stop’s BBQ wings. J’Ceon Chiles-Taplin is the son of Ajah Jones. J’Ceon Chiles-Taplin is your 2025 Boy of the Year.
J’Ceon Chiles-Taplin - 2025 Boy of the Year Ava Givan is a 5th grade student at Belton ISD’s James Burrell Elementary. Ava’s tenure with Ralph Wilson Youth Club spans four years. Known for an infectious smile and a level of wisdom that exceeds her years, Ava’s time at the youth club has been nothing short of superb. Ava demonstrates focus and tenacity in all her endeavors. Her commitment to honing her craft in the sports of basketball and fastpitch softball is evident in her time in the gym. It is a clockwork routine for her to gather with other members and staff to challenge one another in various drills related to her sports. She has been a standout player at the pitcher and second base positions on the softball field. In addition, her RWYC basketball teams have excelled under her guidance as the point guard. Although her athletic achievements are obvious, Ava demonstrates the same focus in the classroom. She is an A-B student that has already set her sights on being a nurse. In her spare time, she enjoys a nice steak dinner. Her favorite athlete is former University of Alabama and current professional softball pitcher Montana Fouts. Ava is the daughter of Roneisha Spencer and James Givan. Ava Givan is your 2025 Girl of the Year.
Ava Givan - 2025 Girl of the Year
Adeline Camden
2025 Female Athlete of the Year
Lauren Tucker
2025 Female Coach of the Year
Felix Gomez
2025 Male Athlete of the Year
Jamal Phillips
2025 Male Coach of the Year
Abby Hannon
2025 Staff Member of the Year High School: Temple High School College: Temple College Field of Study: Education RWYC Tenure: 5 Years Why she enjoys working at RWYC: “I enjoy working at RWYC because I love knowing I can make an impact on kids at a young age and it can stick with them for the rest of their lives.” Did you attend RWYC as a kid?: Yes Hobbies: Sports and Music
Abby Hannon
2025 Staff Member of the Year
Kim Johnson’s Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser always delivers
There is nothing like a good cinnamon roll to start the day or end the evening! For 22 years, Kim Johnson and a group of women affectionately known as Kim’s Kitchen Angels come together in early December to embark on a day of preparing and cooking made from scratch cinnamon rolls that fetch donations that reach $25,000 when it is all said and done. It is Kim and this group’s sense of service to the youth club that motivates them to pour their sweat equity into cinnamon rolls that not only please the consumer but support our youth. Kim’s work and that of her team resulted in her being the recipient of the 2025 Ralph Wilson Youth Club President’s Award. The entire youth club family congratulates Kim and her team on their service and her award for their service.
Christmas Parade Ralph Wilson Youth Club has established a tradition of being an active participant in the City of Temple’s annual Christmas Parade. This year, several youth and staff members joined our community in celebrating the season and marching through the streets of downtown Temple to show holiday spirit. The youth club is always proud of being able to provide opportunities for our youth to be engaged with various community events.
Winter Wonderland Continues to impress For the third year, Ralph Wilson Youth Club hosted Winter Wonderland. The annual event serves as a festive event that allows the community to enjoy an abundance of activities themed in the holiday spirit. This year’s theme was the Gingerbread Man. Those in attendance were treated to ornament making, bounce houses, arts and crafts, basketball and volleyball, photo opportunities for families and a full course breakfast. At a time of year when financial resources can be at a premium, the youth club is proud to offer affordable, yet high quality programs for the families in our community.
Battle of the Leon renews friendly rivalry Ralph Wilson Youth Club and Belton Christian Youth Center participated in a friendly game of flag football supported by some awesome cheerleading. The flag football game was played at UMHB’s Crusader Stadium thanks to the generosity of our local university. Boys and girls competed fiercely but friendly for the duration of the game. The game created countless memories for our youth. The cheer squads got to experience cheering on the sidelines while the players played on the field. Parents and countless youth from both clubs cheered with all their passion from the stands. At the game’s conclusion, both organizations participated in food and fellowship that was cooked by the RWYC Cook Team. Both RWYC and BCYC serve a common purpose in our community and both agencies are needed to support our youth. Congratulations to the staff and members of both organizations for demonstrating sportsmanship in the inaugural Battle of the Leon.
Temple Education Foundation honors Ms. Wilson Sharon Wilson, Ralph Wilson Youth Club President Emeritus, was honored by the Temple Education Foundation as a Distinguished Alumni at the annual dinner to recognize new inductees and raise funds for Temple ISD. Ms. Wilson is a graduate of Temple High School and a longtime supporter of numerous education initiatives in our community. Ms. Wilson continues to impact the youth of Temple through her service to Ralph Wilson Youth Club as a board member. She also continues to impact the lives of our future leaders through her support of Temple College. If it involves education, youth or future leaders, she is a supporter of it. Ralph Wilson Youth Club is proud of her well-deserved recognition.
Wildcat Mentors Ralph Wilson Youth Club continues to be an active supporter and participant in the Wildcat Mentors program. Club Coordinator Cole Jones serves on the Wildcat Mentors Board and is a mentor in the program. Staff members Jamal Phillips and Katelyn Crabtree are also mentors in the program. Over the course of the previous four years, RWYC has been able to have a staff member serve on the board to ensure RWYC is informed, engaged and supportive of this vital program to our community. In what has become a tradition, RWYC hosted the Wildcat Mentors Fall event for the 6th consecutive year. The youth that participate in the program were introduced to their respective mentors for the 25-26 academic year. RWYC staff cooked the club’s famous burgers and hot dogs for everyone in attendance. The youth and their mentors were able to play basketball, video games, pool, ping pong and various other games as they got acclimated with one another. The mission of the Wildcat Mentors program is very similar to the mission of the youth club. The partnership makes for a stronger community today and tomorrow.
RWYC+TISD=SUCCESS Ralph Wilson Youth Club would not be able to conduct the robust basketball program that we offer without the strong partnership we have with Temple ISD. The partnership allows RWYC to utilize Travis Middle School to conduct basketball practices and games. Without the generosity of Temple ISD, RWYC would have to place a participant cap on youth in the basketball program. The partnership allows for the program to continue to grow and serve youth that otherwise would have been denied the opportunity. The partnership benefits both agencies. RWYC allows Travis Middle School to utilize our facility for physical education classes and to conduct basketball and volleyball practices for their athletic teams. To show how much we value the partnership, RWYC funded the refinishing of the gym floor at Travis Middle School. The project will result in everyone that utilizes the Travis Middle School gym having a better playing experience.
United Way of Central Texas+RWYC= IMPACT In what has become a tradition, the United Way of Central Texas launched their annual Day of Caring initiative from the youth club. The event brought together 38 agencies and over 700 people to tackle projects identified throughout the community. These projects impact the lives of so many people in our community that need support to position themselves in a more favorable position. This year’s event was kicked off with a welcome from CEO Veshell Greene. Ike Shaw with T3 Fitness ensured everyone was properly stretched and prepared for the day’s work. As a result of the work of the United Way of Central Texas, over 2,800 hours of work valued at over $100,000 was provided for our community. It is impactful work like this that is spearheaded by the United Way that should serve as motivation to our community to support OUR United Way of Central Texas.
Halloween shows what we do for our KIDS A big part of the success we experience at the youth club is directly connected to the commitment of our junior staff. This part time group of employees are the real boots on the ground that have direct contact with our youth daily. It is this group’s willingness to embrace all that is required of them to have the positive impact on our youth. This was never more evident than the Halloween costume contest. The attention to detail and passion in which our staff dressed up and put on smiles for our kids was priceless. Their passion and purpose resulted in countless laughs and smiles from our precious children.
FORE! The Kids Ralph Wilson Youth Club hosts three major fundraisers each year. At the forefront of our fundraising events is the Dr. Ralph Wilson, Jr. Charity Golf Classic. Wildflower Country Club was the host location for the 24th Annual Dr. Ralph Wilson, Jr. Charity Golf Classic. This year’s tournament featured 32 teams and 128 players playing their best golf for one of best causes in our community – our youth! When the event concluded, 9 teams from throughout the field were the recipients of prizes. In addition, countless door prizes were distributed and loyal supporters purchased raffle tickets and were rewarded with extremely nice prizes. The annual event offers a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts to compete in the sport on a premier course and support a worthy cause in Ralph Wilson Youth Club. The 24th Annual Dr. Ralph Wilson, Jr. Charity Golf Classic raised Over $56,000 for the youth club. The youth club extends a huge thank you to title sponsors Sharon Wilson, Janice Wilson and Maria Wilson. Without their unwavering support, this amazing event would not be possible.
Fall Volleyball finishes strong The Fall youth volleyball program impacted 669 female participants. The program continues to expand its impact on young volleyball players. Participants competed in 8 & Under, 10 & Under and 12 & Under divisions. 99 coaches poured their heart and soul into providing our youth with quality instruction and growing their interest and desire in the sport of volleyball.
Cameron Storm II - 8U Champion
M&D Graphics & Printing - 8U Runner Up
Mama Jean - 10U Champion
Lady Trojans - 10U Runner Up
Temple Lawn Care - 12U Champion
Shutter Magic - 12U Runner Up
October Boy & Girl of the Month
Liliana Hostetler
Miles Stocking
Witt Fellows
November Boy & Girl of the Month Alianys Igartua
James Steele