Gonzales Youth Center celebrates "Sweet 16"

The Gonzales Youth Center observed its "Sweet 16" birthday with a catered celebration Saturday at the Gonzales Elks Lodge.

The event featured both live and silent auctions as well as entertainment from the Kerr Creek Band. A tasty steak dinner was cooked up by the cooking team from Graham Land & Cattle Co. — and served up by many of the youngsters who take part in so many Youth Center activities.

One group of teens involved in the "Shakespeare Ninja" program at the GYC also entertained the audience with scenes from Shakespearean productions.

The featured speaker was Roberto Granados, who credits the GYC with making a big impact in his life as a teenager. Granados, who is now a teacher and coach in Wharton, told attendees "I’m an example of Youth Center success, but let’s don’t stop there. We need to stop making excuses and make it happen!"