Mattapan Teen Center (MTC) Director Rick Aggeler was surprised by more than 75 people who planned a bogus “community meeting” that was actually a party in his honor last Friday at the center. It was to commemorate his 20 years with the organization. Seth Daniel photo
A gathering at the Mattapan Teen Center (MTC) on Fri., April 10, night that was billed as community meeting was actually a surprise party to salute the center’s director Rick Aggeler on his 20th year of work anniversary.
The crowded room at the Hazelton Street center was buzzing with excitement from about 75 folks who knew what was to come as Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) Chief Impact Officer Andrea Swain, a Mattapan resident, began speaking about a new “business partnership.”
Then a video was shown featuring MTC Staffer MiShy Sibley. About a minute into the video, she broke the news: “Okay, Rick, the gig is up. This isn’t a community meeting. Gotcha! This is a celebration of your 20th year at the Boys and Girls Club!”
Dozens of community members gathered at the Mattapan Teen Center (MTC) on Friday night for a bogus “community business meeting,” that was actually a surprise party for Director Rick Aggeler on his 20th year with Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. Here, staffer MiShy Sibley reveals the surprise on video. Seth Daniel photo
Aggeler was stunned. A moment of initial confusion gave way to emotion as he realized that the event was in his honor.
“I love everything about Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston,” he said. “I love all of you guys. This job is definitely my identity. I wouldn’t have my family without the club. I’m at a loss for words. I love the great days, and I love when it’s messy and I love the big events…I cannot believe this happened.”
Robyn Glaser, a long-time supporter of the MTC, said she would endow an annual performing arts scholarship in Aggeler’s name.
“I think Rick has been building things that will outlast all of us and not in terms of buildings, but people,” said. “You have given these young people their voice with art, consistency, and confidence. They are your legacy.”
BGCB Chief People Officer Jamella Lee presented Aggeler, right, with an appreciation plaque for his 20 years. Seth Daniel photo
Swain noted that Aggeler came to the BGCB as an intern from Berklee School of Music, where he was a student. That stint became a more regular job at the Blue Hill Avenue club. When the teen center opened in the former Mattapan Public Library building in 2014, Aggeler relocated and, in 2020, became the center’s executive director.
“Because of his love for music, he was able to start the first music clubhouse at any Boys and Girls Club in the Blue Hill Avenue location,” said Swain. “It was so successful that it was able to expand to all of the clubs in Boston and eventually became a national program.
“Not only did it have an impact on Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan kids, that has had an impact across the nation.”
On video, emerging artist Echezona and other alums of the Blue Hill Avenue club or the MTC – spoke about how their music couldn’t have become a career without Aggeler’s inspiration.
Josh Kraft, the former executive director of the BGCB, also spoke via video about how they were able to figure out the logistics, legalities, and funding of the music clubhouse in 2007.
Seth Daniel photos
Here, Aggeler and his children, Reese and Richie, show off the ping-pong paddles with his face on them as he displays the MTC jacket with the center’s motto, ‘We Out Here!’ Seth Daniel photo
Aggeler with his wife Sara and their two children, Reese and Richie, upon learning of the new Rick Aggeler Scholarship for the Performing Arts. Seth Daniel photo
MTC staffer (and parent) MiShy Sibley with BGCB Chief Impact Officer Andrea Swain. Seth Daniel photo
Aisha Miller congratulating Rick Aggeler. Seth Daniel photo
