Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Honors Dr. Harriet Moore and Jack Cox

September 13, 2024 | Sarasota

Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement for Sarasota County Schools, and Jack Cox, President and Owner of Halfacre Construction Company, were recognized for their extraordinary dedication to empowering local teens to achieve their full potential at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ 18th Annual Leadership Breakfast on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

Presented by Intertape Polymer Group, the event welcomed more than 330 business professionals, community leaders, and philanthropists to the organization’s Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club for an inspiring morning that showcased the honorees’ commitment to the area’s next generation of leaders.

Former Florida Senator Lisa Carlton led the program as the emcee alongside Club teen Alvin L., a senior at Florida Virtual School who has immersed himself in a number of the organization’s workforce readiness, advocacy and leadership development programs for high school students since becoming a member a year ago.

“This morning, we gather to honor two local visionaries who have significantly impacted our community by empowering tomorrow’s leaders to reach their full potential,” Alvin said. “Their support and leadership have played a pivotal role in strengthening the programs that inspire teens like me to succeed. I wouldn’t be standing here today without the guidance of my Club mentors, the unwavering support of a loving community, and people like Dr. Moore and Mr. Cox who believe in our potential.”

Club member Nazaria D., a senior at Sarasota High School, presented the Leadership Award to Dr. Harriett Moore expressing how much of an honor it was to introduce an educational leader she deeply respects and admires.

Dr. Moore was celebrated for her exceptional ability to coach, train, and mobilize educators and community members. With more than 20 years of as a servant leader, Dr. Moore dedicated her educational career to building successful leadership and staff capacity around equitable practices spanning K-12 and collegiate levels with roles as a teacher, school leader, district administrator, and adjunct professor. As the first Director of Strategic Engagement for Sarasota County Schools, Dr. Moore is pivotal in fostering strong relationships between the school district and its various stakeholders, ensuring an educational environment that is supportive, inclusive, and responsive to the community’s needs.

“Our teenage demographic is so busy right now. They have so many things to keep them busy and distracted,” said Dr. Moore. “I think its important that we hone their focus … that we provide opportunities for them to really learn about leadership and character, what it means to be a servant leader, how they can give back to the community and be good model citizens, how they can really strengthen resiliency and resolve conflict in a meaningful way. We have to always find teachable moments. I love what I see happening at the Boys & Girls Club.”

Club member John B., a senior at Pine View School who has learned how to build his own business in the organization’s entrepreneurial programs, presented the second Leadership Award to Jack Cox and said, “I am honored to introduce someone who embodies everything I aspire to be as an entrepreneur and future leader. Mr. Cox is not only a visionary in his field, but also deeply committed to giving back – a value that resonates strongly with me as I seek ways to make a positive impact on my community.

Mr. Cox brings more than 40 years of experience in construction and took the helm of Halfacre Construction Company from his father in 1999 after graduating from Bowling Green State University. He became president of the company in 2001 and sole owner in 2007. Since then, Mr. Cox has served on the boards of The Argus Foundation, FCCI, Suncoast Bank, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Charlotte County Economic Development Council, Sarasota County Economic Development Council, Suncoast Charities for Children, Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, Inc. and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board. His commitment to community welfare is exemplified by his involvement with other nonprofits in addition to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, including Loveland Center, First Step of Sarasota, The Haven, Suncoast Charities for Children, Special Olympics Florida – Sarasota County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, SKY Family YMCA, Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota, HOPE Family Services and St. Jude Catholic Church.

“I got involved with the Boys & Girls Club community for the very first time in the late 90s,” said Mr. Cox. “I’ve met some incredible people through the Boys & Girls Club – really good people. Being involved with them has made me a more well-rounded person. We at Halfacre Construction Company feel it is our obligation to give back to the community and Boys & Girls Clubs an awesome place to do just that.”

Initiated by Community Youth Development in 2006, the Leadership Breakfast was adopted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in 2016 and honors local trailblazers each year for their commitment to empowering teens as tomorrow’s leaders. Proceeds from the event support the organization’s award-winning teen programs, which include leadership training, service opportunities, entrepreneurial education, workforce development, and college and career prep. Joining Intertape Polymer Group as sponsors of the event included Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Lee Wetherington Homes, Halfacre Construction Company, Caldwell Trust Company, FCCI Insurance Group, Joann Heffernan Heisen,  Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Preferred Shore Real Estate, Atlas Insurance, Blistex, Cool Today, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Mabry Carlton Ranch, Neal Communities, John Patterson, Esq. with Shutts & Bowen LLP, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Meghan O. Serrano, Esq. with Shumaker, Ric Smalley, Synovus, Captivation Agency, Scene Magazine and Palm Printing. The organization gives special thanks to Former State Senator Lisa Carlton, Lee Byron, Sights & Sounds, Lori Sax Photography, Mattison’s and Sue Ellen’s Floral Boutique.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and its award-winning slate of teen programs, visit bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.