A newsmaker you should know: She's serving the second generation of kids in Duquesne
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Pat Bluett
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When Pat Bluett and her staff from the Duquesne-West Mifflin Boys & Girls Club were honored last month by the state board of control overseeing the Duquesne City School District, it was no surprise to anyone in attendance.
After all, Ms. Bluett, 59, executive director of the club, is serving her second generation of young people in Duquesne, where she has been working at the club since 1983 and has been executive director since 1989.
Under the direction of "Miss Pat," as she is known by the children, the boys and girls club operates out of its North Third Street location. During the school year, the club runs an after-school program from 3 to 6 p.m. that serves the children a hot dinner.
During the summer, the club is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and serves the children lunch. About 60 youngsters attend each day.
The meals are provided through programs operated by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Also, through a partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the children get fresh fruit daily.
In addition to the club's regular hours, Ms. Bluett has hustled to open it during other times when school is closed unexpectedly or dismisses early. During a September 2008 teacher strike, she quickly organized community partners to open the club so the children had a place to go during the day, when many of their parents were at work.
"If I dismiss school at 11:30, Miss Pat, you have the club open by 11:31," said Davaun Barnett, principal of Duquesne Elementary/Middle School, as he bestowed the district's award on Ms. Bluett and her staff.
In addition to her work with Duquesne children outside of school, Ms. Bluett volunteers at the Duquesne Elementary/Middle School every day before she opens the club and serves on a number of community boards and task forces.
Among her other activities are the Duquesne Appreciation Day Committee, Duquesne Crime Watch, the PTA at West Mifflin Area and Duquene school districts, and the State Parent Advisory Council.
"This award is about the board of control trying to acknowledge an outstanding contributor to the community of Duquesne. We wanted to celebrate her at the end of this school year," Mr. Barnett said.
The club, located several blocks from the school, is the place for children ages 6 to 18 in Duquesne to go for social programs, meals, tutoring and companionship.
First Published July 29, 2010 5:26 am
