YMCA To Honor Cherokee County Volunteer, Teen Leader

CANTON, GA — Volunteers and teen leaders from the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA will be recognized for their contributions to the community on Feb. 10 during the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's Celebration of Community Champions.

Desi Frazier has volunteered with the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA for 15 years. She will be honored as Volunteer of the Year.

“The Y is different from other organizations because the people desire to be there," Frazier said. "Giving and volunteering happens out of the kindness of hearts. I volunteer because I strive to make a difference in people’s lives, especially children. I volunteer to pay it forward to all those who helped me in my childhood and beyond.”

Her first connection with the YMCA was playing racquetball and basketball at the age of 11 and spending two summers at an overnight camp in Wisconsin. Most recently, Frazier has assisted with coaching basketball and t-ball teams.

“Desi has given countless hours to the YMCA’s of Cherokee County," Y staff member Ryder Leary said. "Her compassion and relentlessness to get a job done stands out. She has set a wonderful example of what it means to be a volunteer at the Y. Desi leads by example and motivates not only our other volunteers but our staff as well.”

Matthew Crosby’s first involvement with the YMCA was through summer camp 10 years ago. Matthew has served as assistant counselor, lifeguard and is involved with the Advanced Leadership Academy.

“The Y and its amazing volunteers are helping to ‘be the impact’ by giving back to the community and promoting positive change through programs and volunteer opportunities," Crosby said. "I know that with further involvement with the Y, I will develop into someone that always helps the community and actively helps those in need.”

He plans to earn a premed degree from Kennesaw State University and then attend medical school to earn a degree in radiology or dermatology.

“Matthew displays initiative, shows leadership, is punctual and willing to learn new skills," Leary said. "He is always willing to help others in any way he can. Matthew consistently shows leadership ability by his willingness to lead. He plays an active role in team building and assists fellow teen leaders in programs and activities.”

Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young will be honored during the event on Feb. 10 with the Bransby Christian Leadership Award. Additional winners include the following:

• Corporate Partner of the Year: Kaiser Permanente
• Non-profit Partners of the Year: Atlanta Police Foundation
• Fundraiser of the Year: Mark Spain / Forsyth Family YMCA
• Teen fundraiser of the Year: Jayden Bohannon / East Lake Family YMCA