Greater Hartford YMCA Honors Volunteers, Staff And Youth Leaders

GREATER HARTFORD, CT — The YMCA of Greater Hartford recognized volunteers, staff members and youth leaders during its 174th annual meeting April 22 at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford.

The event included the installation of new board members and awards recognizing leadership and community service across the organization.

Jim O’Rourke, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, said the annual meeting highlighted the role of volunteers, staff and youth in advancing the organization’s mission.

“The annual meeting is a time for gratitude,” O’Rourke said. “We are grateful to Ashley Battesh of KAYAK, and Matt D’Amour of Big Y Foods, Inc. for their ‘Yes’ to serving on our Board of Directors, generously giving their time and expertise, along with our current board members, to grow and give guidance to our Y mission.”

O’Rourke also recognized this year’s award recipients for their service and leadership.

“Each honoree represents the very best of what the YMCA stands for,” O’Rourke said. “From lifelong volunteer leadership, to staff who go above and beyond every day, to young people stepping into leadership roles of their own, these individuals remind us that our impact is only possible because of people who choose to serve, lead, and lift others up.”

The YMCA presented its Robert C. Knox Jr. YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award, the organization’s highest volunteer honor, to Tim McGrath of Ellington.

McGrath has served in several leadership roles with the YMCA, including chair of the Indian Valley and Camp Woodstock advisory boards.

He currently serves as treasurer and chair of the YMCA of Greater Hartford finance committee.

The organization credited him with helping lead Camp Woodstock’s capital campaign.

“If I’ve inspired even one person to do a bit more than they otherwise might have,” McGrath said, “then that would mean something.”

The YMCA also presented its inaugural Mission Impact Staff Award to Elizabeth Thibault of West Hartford, a Fairfield University nursing student and summer camp wellness director at Camp Woodstock.

According to the YMCA, Thibault oversaw camper health and safety operations and helped the camp achieve a 100% state inspection score.

During a staffing shortage, she earned lifeguard instructor certification and trained more than 20 lifeguards.

“Elizabeth consistently went the extra mile to support campers and staff,” Camp Woodstock Executive Director Tony Gronski said, “ensuring every camper felt safe, supported, and respected.”

The Mission Impact Youth Award was presented to Godwin Akoumani of Hartford for his leadership and mentorship through the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center.

Akoumani, now a student at the University of Connecticut, previously served as a counselor-in-training coordinator after participating in YMCA programs as a youth.

“One conversation with Godwin and you already know he is the embodiment of the Y’s core values,” said Julia DeFeo, executive director of the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth & Family Center.

“Seeing Godwin’s transition to overcoming the odds has been nothing short of absolutely remarkable and inspiring,” DeFeo added.

The YMCA of Greater Hartford operates six branches, 11 camps, six preschool and daycare locations, and 25 before- and after-school program sites, serving more than 68,000 people annually, according to the organization.