Dr Phil Batton’s service to the Boys and Girls Club movement was recognized Thursday at the Indianapolis downtown Sheraton when he was inducted into the Indiana Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.
Batton, a 45-year Shelby County Boys and Girls Club board member, received Indiana Area Council Lifetime Achievement and Service to Youth Awards at previous state meetings. Batton is the second representative of the Shelby County Club organization to be so honored. Joe Harlan was inducted in 2018.
“It was great to see Phil inducted,” said local Boys and Girls Club board president Matt Haehl. “It is a well-deserved honor for someone who has dedicated 45 years of his life to the youth of our community. He has worn many hats on our board and is a big reason the Boys and Girls Club has had such a positive impact on Shelby County.”
“I first visited the Boys Club as a youth,” said Batton. “That initial experience opened my eyes to the potential this organization could have to enhance so many young lives.”
Batton currently oversees Club maintenance and building and grounds, however he has served in multiple capacities during his lengthy board tenure including: member of the executive committee, two terms as board president, vice-president, secretary and personnel committee chairman. He played instrumental roles in the club’s multi-million-dollar capital campaigns of 1992-96 and 2015-2018.
“Phil was very valuable in getting the Morristown Boys and Girls Club established,” stated Chris Ross, chairman of the Morristown Club project. “Phil has a great deal of respect and his efforts were key to stabilizing that whole venture.”
Batton is a Morristown native who was a standout high school athlete. He was a three-year basketball letter winner and held school 100-yard and 220-yard track records prior to those marks being retired due to the sport’s conversion to the metric system. He also was a member of the record-setting half-mile relay team. Batton along with other pre-metric record holders will be recognized at a December 2023 Morristown basketball game.
The hall of fame recipient was quick to acknowledge his wife of 52 years, Michelle, who has lent unwavering support to him and his community service efforts over the course of so many years. He cited his children, Jennifer and Nathan, who were also in attendance, for all their love and support.
Batton is a graduate of Indiana State University and the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He has maintained a dental practice in Shelbyville since 1976. He also has served as a board member of the Shelby County Health Department.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America Regional Service Director Andre Arrington recognized Batton’s remarkable record of service at Thursday’s Indiana Area Council program
“Dr Phil’s commitment to the Shelbyville Club is indeed something special,” said Arrington. “To have given such tremendous service and to do it for so many years is truly great.”
Shelby County Boys and Girls Club CEO Scott Spahr (photo, left) expressed his appreciation for Batton’s assistance during his first three years on the job.
”Phil is always there to help,” said Spahr. ”He has provided advice and consultation so many times. I am impressed and appreciative for his dedication and his constant willingness to be of help. He is all about the Club.”
The newly-inducted Batton displayed his characteristic humility following the ceremony.
“I have been part of a remarkable team for a long time,” said Batton. “I am humble and thankful beyond words.”
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