They cited his devotion to serving youth, his honesty and integrity along with a dedication to youth in Sylacauga for 39 years.

And during the Alabama-Georgia Boys Club Council Convention held Aug. 14 at Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., Coach Harold Brooks received the Man and Youth Award, presented to the person who has dedicated a lifetime to working with youth in their community.

“Coach Brooks has served the youth of Sylacauga for the past 39 years with honesty and integrity which shows his passion for young people,” said Boys Club National Southeast Service Director Clyde McGuire. “Coach Brooks is highly respected and recognized by the National Organization for being the example of director that is desired and needed in our youth movement. He has exemplified the highest moral and Christian standards to all of those who have come through the Boys Club and has expressed love and concern for each and every club member.”

McGuire said Brooks has always gone the extra mile to see that the Boys Club of Sylacauga met the needs of its members.

“We are proud to present this award to him because of the encouragement and positive direction he presents to all club members,” McGuire said. “Coach has shown dedication and exemplary service throughout his career.”

Brooks, contacted at the Sylacauga Boys Club he directed for so many years, is still involved with the club as an assistant on a part time basis.

These days, it’s his son Jody who serves as director, a position the younger Brooks has held since October.

“It’s nice to know that the regional and national directors think you’re doing the job you need to do for the kids,” Brooks said of the honor.

Boys Club is something Brooks said he’s been involved with since he was a member himself, then, later, he became a volunteer and director.

“It’s one of those things,” he said. “I’ve always dealt with kids and wanted to make a difference in our community.”

Brooks said now, he actually has more time to work with members one on one and work to provide more in the way of positive direction for the members.

After being involved with the club so long, Brooks said he now has third generation members in the club.

“For about 60 to 70 percent of the members now, I had their dads, too,” he said.

Brooks said one of his top priorities for leading the club was taking time for the members.

“My main thing has been that I didn’t want a kid to come through Boys Club and say that no one took the time for them they needed to help them,” he said. “Every one of them has been special to me. And I’m very proud of the things so many of them have done since Boys’ Club. So many have gone on to become better citizens and have also given back. That’s exciting for me.”