Boys & Girls Club Blog

May 22, 2026

At our Board Retreat last week, the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh took time to reflect on the year behind us and celebrate the people and partners who make our mission possible every day. A special highlight of the retreat was honoring our 2025 Distinguished Award winners—individuals and organizations who consistently go above and beyond in their support of local youth and families. 💙

Each year, the Club recognizes an outstanding staff member, board member, volunteer or supporter, and a local business whose commitment helps strengthen our programs and expand opportunities for the young people we serve. We are deeply grateful for each of these honorees and for all who continue to invest in creating opportunities, support, and brighter futures for local youth!

J.R. Vette Friend of Youth Award

Patty Shea

The J.R. Vette Friend of Youth Award is named in memory of lifetime board member J.R. Vette and is presented to a board member who has demonstrated outstanding efforts to further the mission of the Club.

Patty Shea joined the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh Board of Directors in June 2019 alongside her husband, Dan. Both Patty and Dan have a personal connection to the Club, having grown up as Club kids themselves in New Hampshire. Their firsthand experience with the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs fuels their passion for giving back and supporting today’s youth.

Together, they founded Shea Electric & Communications, LLC, followed by Enlighten Digital Technologies in 2020. Patty is also actively involved in the Oshkosh community, serving with the Oshkosh Chamber, Chamber Ambassadors Group, Women’s Fund Board, Women’s Fund Power Team, and GEMS Giving Circle.

Patty and Dan consistently go above and beyond in their support of the Club—volunteering at family nights, Thanksgiving meals, staff appreciation efforts, and stepping in wherever help is needed. Their commitment continues to make a lasting difference.

Award of Merit

Sergeant Chee Vang

The Award of Merit recognizes a volunteer or contributor who has made an extraordinary contribution of time and/or resources.

Sergeant Chee Vang of the Oshkosh Police Department has been a dedicated partner to our youth for many years. As an 18-year veteran of the Oshkosh Police Department, Sergeant Vang leads District 5 under the OPD’s Team Policing initiative. Through his creation of the Step Up program, focused on gang awareness and drug prevention, he has helped empower teens with knowledge, resilience, and positive direction.

In addition, Chee provides valuable training for Club staff on recognizing warning signs of gang involvement and substance use, strengthening our ability to support and protect youth across all of our programs. His leadership and commitment to prevention continue to make a lasting impact in our community. We are deeply grateful for his service, partnership and unwavering dedication to keeping our youth safe and thriving.

Kids & Community Award

Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center

The Kids & Community Award is presented to an individual or business that has demonstrated outstanding community leadership in support of the Club’s mission.

For more than a decade, the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center has been an exceptional and steadfast partner of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. Their support plays a key role in helping us host major annual events such as WineFeast and Youth of the Year.

The Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner. Their team consistently goes above and beyond—ensuring seamless coordination, thoughtful planning, and welcoming hospitality that helps create meaningful, mission-driven experiences for our guests and supporters. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and long-standing commitment to our youth.

Professional Service Award

Katrina Gesell – Director of Omro & Winneconne Childcare

The Professional Service Award recognizes a staff member who has rendered exceptionally devoted service to the organization.

Katrina Gesell is recognized as Staff of the Year for her outstanding leadership and vision. Over the past three years, she has launched and expanded multiple programs, including a new afterschool program in Omro, a 4K wrap-around program, and a successful summer program serving over 100 youth.

While managing these three programs simultaneously, Katrina also launched a new afterschool program in Winneconne and is actively developing plans to expand 4K wrap-around services there as well. Her ability to turn ideas into action has significantly increased access to Club programming and strengthened support for families across our communities.

Honoring Leadership and Impact

Being able to recognize these individuals and organizations at our Board Retreat last week was a meaningful reminder of the strength of our community. Their leadership, generosity, and dedication directly impact the lives of the youth we serve every day.

We are grateful for each of our 2025 Distinguished Award recipients and for all who continue to support the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh mission. 💙