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84 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2024 Follow Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation to learn more about free programs available for youth. Check out @vibezmacon at 401 Cherry Street for food, nightlife, and catering. Dupree enough. "This is what it's all about. Whenever your blessed, you're obligated to give back," said Wilson. "Bud has a big heart. Wherever he is he's giving back. I'm proud to work with him." Kimberly Smith, a 60-year-old Macon resident, brought her great nephews Tamarion and Maryion Sealey to "Skills and Drills" and was pleased with the camp and most impressed with Dupree upon meeting him. "Giving back at no charge is big. Too many NFL players want to charge, but this is a great example of giving from the heart," she said. In the house too was Dupree's biggest fan, his mother, Sophia Dupree. The retired hairstylist said her son often tells her that he really wants to help people. "He's a gentle giant. A real sweetheart," she said through an ear-to-ear grin. "Bud's just that type of person. He always is encouraging people to do their best." Conversations with a couple of players following suggests that "Skills and Drills" was a hit with those that it was designed to help the most. Rinaldo Calloway and Jamarian Leghorn are members of the Southwest Patriots class of 2026. Both seniors attended the camp hoping to add to what Head Coach Takeyma Duhart is pushing in practices – hard work and its payoff. "I wanted to get better and improve my skills. The camp was excellent. Mr. Dupree's energy was down to earth. They believe in us and want us to make it," Calloway expressed. "Being out here today I learned to not just like football but to love it," Leghorn added. "Mr. Dupree was great. I feel like coming out will help us get better." Dupree ended on this note: "We're just trying to create some positive opportunities for these young men. It's important that they know someone cares, so that's what this is all about." LEFT Bud Dupree receives a plaque for being the inuagural Juneteenth Parade marshall. Photo by Jay McClendon, Kreative Media Group. BELOW Dupree poses with the staff of VIBEZ. Photo by Jay McClendon, Kreative Media Group. " H e 's a g e n t l e g i a n t . A r e a l sw e e t h e a r t . B u d 's j u s t t h a t t y p e o f p e r s o n . H e i s a l w ays e n c o u ra g i n g p e o p l e to d o t h e i r b e s t ."