YMCA of the East Bay Announces Oakland Volunteer Honorees:

On Thursday, October 22, the YMCA of the East Bay held their 136th annual meeting and volunteer recognition ceremony. The theme of the evening was “Volunteers: Our Guiding Lights to Togetherhood.”

The “DIFFY” (You Are the Difference) Award is the highest honor the YMCA of the East Bay gives to recognize their most impactful volunteers. “DIFFY” award winners demonstrate a selfless commitment to serving our community and creating real, lasting, personal change.

The Y’s “Youth of Character” award recognizes some of their most outstanding youth leaders. These young agents of change stand out amongst their peers as positive, compassionate & dedicated community members.

DIFFY adult honorees & Youth of Character award recipients for the Oakland region include:

Jerry Wolfe (DIFFY Honoree)

Jerry Wolfe has dedicated hundreds of hours over the last 5 years to help ensure that the Downtown Oakland YMCA remains a fixture in our community for years to come. A true leader, Jerry has an exceptional ability to engage and support teams of YMCA volunteers in raising the necessary funds to provide scholarships to kids and families who need it most. Jerry also big heartedly contributes to our Youth and Government program where he acts as a mentor and friend to our high school youth- providing his expert educational direction, support, and compassion to the leaders of tomorrow.

Jennifer Franco (Youth of Character)

Over the last three years, we at the Downtown Oakland YMCA have had the pleasure of watching Jennifer Franco blossom from a shy 14-year-old into a passionate, outspoken youth activist. Jennifer has not only taken on high level leadership roles in our YMCA Youth and Government program, but is also an active member of several other social justice and youth advocacy groups in her community. In addition to her plethora of civic engagement activities, Jennifer also finds the time to tutor middle and high school students. We commend Jennifer for taking the initiative to make positive change in her community.

Miykailah Lyon (Youth of Character)

Miykailah Lyon played a critical role in summer camp this year at the M. Robinson Baker YMCA. Her eagerness to learn and work hard combined with her caring attitude made her a top candidate for key youth support roles. Miykailah served as Camp Project Support, Parent Greeter and Counselor Support throughout this past summer. She was instrumental in helping to keep our day to day operations running smoothly. From helping to set up and clean up for activities, engaging our youngest campers or communicating important information about camp activities to parents, Miykailah shined in everything she did. Most importantly, she developed important leadership and team work skills that will certainly help her be successful in school and in life. We are proud of you!

Daionni Marshall (Youth of Character)

Daionni is the ideal Y camper. He actively, enthusiastically and whole-heartedly participates in camp activities. Daionni embodies the YMCA’s core values in his actions and in his words. He always conducts himself with exemplary sportsman-like conduct. Daionni always goes out of his way to help a peer or a younger camper. He especially worked hard to make sure everyone felt included. He takes delight in helping others and always volunteered to help set up and clean up for lunch, game time or other day camp activities. His positive attitude, willingness to fully participate and to help others makes Daionni a wonderful role model to his fellow campers. He embodies the spirit of volunteerism and we look forward to seeing great things from him in the future!