Shy Gig Harbor teen is now a leader among his peers

The Jim and Carolyn Milgard Family HOPE Center at the Cheney Family branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound opened in October 2009, and since then, many have benefited from the club’s staff and volunteers.

An example of success has been the transformation of Tommy Dunn, once a shy boy who has grown into being a club leader and mentor who exemplifies the mission of the Boys & Girls club.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs helped me come out of my shell so much,” he said. I didn’t talk to people. I was the kid who sat in the corner on his iPod, listening to music very loud. Now, thanks to the Boys & Girls Club, if there is a new member, I am one of the first kids to say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ ”

Dunn has been going to the club for more than three years and is the vice president of the Keystone Club, adviser for the Torch Club, a member of Passport to Manhood and has logged more than 1,500 volunteer hours at the club alone.

“He was really shy when he first came here,” said Jo Ann Maxwell, the club’s executive director. “He’s a top-notch leader now.”

Dunn quickly immersed himself in the many opportunities at the club. Now a 17-year-old senior at Gig Harbor High School, he’s a candidate for “Youth of the Year,” a nationally acclaimed program that recognizes youth for serving and excelling at school, at the club and in the community.

Dunn will represent the Gig Harbor branch and participate with eight other youth from South Puget Sound branches on Feb. 23. Scholarships will be awarded to the top-placing members, and Dunn hopes to continue his education in culinary arts. He dreams of becoming a successful pastry chef one day.

Dunn has a younger brother and two younger sisters, loves skateboarding, and his senior project at Gig Harbor High is to design and implement team-building activities for teens. Dunn also is enrolled in West Sound Tech’s Culinary Arts Program in Bremerton.

Dunn helps the younger members of the club as a mentor, and he gives tours of the facilities to visitors, helps the kitchen staff prepare meals and helps instructors with a variety of duties.

Staff members praise Dunn for being a distinctive youth leader. Program Director Heidi Gerling gave an example of his recent work for the club.

“We were here until 8:30 p.m. on Friday at our haunted house,” Gerling said. “He was the last to leave, cleaning up and working.”

Dunn’s passion for preparing food and serving others is evident with anyone who knows him.

“I’m not sure what I want to do (with cooking), but I love baking,” Dunn said of his future plans.

“He’s a good guy and always ready to help,” said Amanda Weber, a chef at the club. “He’s dedicated, and I can’t say he has ever said no to any kitchen task. He’s a very fast learner.”

“The Boys & Girls Club has changed my life in so many ways,” Dunn said. “This place is amazing; you can do so many things, such as homework, hanging out with your friends, make new friends, or find a best friend.”


Photographer Lee Giles III can be reached at 253-853-9242 or by e-mail at lee.giles@gateline.com.