JACK PADON INSPIRATION AWARD

Nick Enslow

Jack Padon served as a committed member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County Board of Directors as a tireless advocate for the children, teens and staff who make the Club so special.  His passion for our mission, positivity, pursuit of excellence, selfless dedication, sense of humor and grace served as an inspiration to everyone and truly embodied what it means to be a productive, caring, responsible citizen.

In recognition of Jack’s lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County, we annually present the Jack Padon Inspiration Award to one Club Professional who – in thought, word, and deed – embodies the ideals, which guided Jack’s service to our members, staff, and community.

This year’s recipient is a relentless champion for those who need us most through their passion and drive to make sure every young person is recognized, not by their current situation or behavior, but instead by the promise and potential each child has.  This individual consistently demonstrates this belief through their words and actions, and they teach every member of our team these valuable lessons through his effort and example.

Additionally, the recipient also works relentlessly to support the efforts of our Club families to provide healthy lifestyles for our members beyond our doors.  He approaches every family with humility and grace, ensuring they receive the dignity they deserve when they are working hard to rise above their situation and challenges.  The recipient’s commitment has been recognized by Club families who speak glowingly of him and have invited him into their lives, where he participates in a school’s Individual Education Plan meetings for their children and even an adoption hearing for one of the members.

When I think of Jack, my first thought of him is always the warmth of his smile and how he welcomed you.  He never failed to lift your spirits simply by being present.  This year’s recipient is just like Jack in this sense.  It is simply in the recipient’s nature to read a situation and respond effortlessly with exactly what is needed – whether it is a calm assessment of a pressurized situation, a goofy joke to put someone at ease, an intellectual conversation, or a spirit-lifting hug.

The second thing I remember about Jack is that he was simply larger than life and filled every room with his joy and zest for life!  This year’s recipient is cut from the same bolt of cloth!  His imagination and flair are legendary and a consistent hit with our staff, volunteers, members, and families.  Nick Enslow, also known as the Instupituous Beardstachio, has the same larger-than-life personality and dresses the part of a legendary figure!   From:

  • toe shoes to canvas high tops,
  • a green beard to a purple mohawk,
  • a pink tutu to bodacious suits, or
  • a macaroni & cheese button down and Lego tie.

You never know how he will look when he shows up, but you know it will BE GREAT and bring joy to everyone in the room.

Nick’s mind is a juxtaposition of logical analysis and creative imagination that is just as comfortable engaging youth in mathematics and technology programs as he is generating excitement for painting murals and knitting.  As a Club Leader, Nick has found success helping many Club staff balance their creative abilities with the focus needed to help Club members thrive.

Nick not only shares his incredible abilities with the Boys & Girls Club, but he is also deeply involved in many aspects of the larger community.  Nick is:

  • an active member of the faith-based community,
  • a supporter of the arts,
  • an advocate for Billings Southside,
  • a tutor for high school and college math, and
  • is actively engaged with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, delivering food, supplies, and even mattresses to those in need.

Finally, in addition to the benefits Nick brings to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County, he also shares his passion and message of growth regionally and nationally through Ignite Talks given at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2022 Southwest Regional Conference and the 2023 National Conference coming up in May.  He has also been selected as a TedX speaker to present to the Billings community discussing generational wealth.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County is proud to recognize Nick Enslow as our 2nd Annual recipient of the Jack Padon Inspiration Award.

Presented at the 29th Annual BE GREAT Ball, March 31, 2023.