MIDDLETOWN – The second annual Akidemy Awards drew a great crowd to Kuhl's Highland House in Middletown on the evening of December 3. Presented by the Boys and Girls Club of the Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush, the Akidemy Awards seek to highlight the contributions of people both in and out of the Boys and Girls Club programs to the Club's cause of making children's lives safer…and just more fun.

While everyone sat down to enjoy an excellent buffet dinner, there was music from the Circleville Clubhouse Band. And then while guests took a look at the silent auction tables at the back of the room, MC Steve Casa took over the stage to introduce the award presenters.

Over at the silent auction, the prizes ranged from a Seneca Lake Wine Tasting Weekend, through a Spa Package at C'Est La Vie Spa, to the Ultimate Golf Package — which proved to be very popular.

Then came the awards. This year, the Breakthrough Talent Award went to Brendan Watson, a sixth-grader and member of the Circleville Middle School program of the Boys and Girls Club. That award was presented by Aaron Hopmayer, Principal of Pine Bush High School.

A few moments later, to his surprise, Mr. Hopmayer was returning to the stage to collect the Selfless Leader Award, and afterwards he said, with a smile, "I'd like to know why no one warned me about this," which provoked laughter at the table where he and Pine Bush School Board members Jay Anthony and Roseanne Sullivan were sitting along with Superintendent Phil Steinberg.

Next up was the Outstanding Community Partner Award, which was given to the Town of Wallkill. The Youth for Unity Award then went to Halie Bernal.

At that point, the Pine Bush Elementary Program took the stage for some rousing versions of "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer," which they completed to prolonged applause and cheering.

The Most Valuable Professional Award was then given to Brian LaBuda.

Later, Elizabeth Rowley came up to run through the silent auction. Afterwards she said, "We were just thrilled with the overall energy in the room tonight. It's a great, positive message that the Boys and Girls Club can draw this kind of turnout. We are all looking forward to next year."

The event raised about $16,000 for the Boys and Girls Club.

Next up for the Boys and Girls Club of Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush will be the Ziti Dinner on Saturday, December 13, at Townley Hall in Circleville. The theme for this event is "Toys for Tots." It starts at 5 p.m., $7 adults, $3 kids, and free if you bring an unwrapped new toy.

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