YMCA To Honor Forsyth County Volunteer, Teen Leader

CUMMING, GA — Volunteers and teen leaders from the Forsyth County YMCA will be recognized for their contributions to the community on Feb. 10 during the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's Celebration of Community Champions.

Wesley Lava, a member of the Forsyth County YMCA, will be one of the volunteers recognized as "Volunteer of the Year."

“I think I found my calling to coach kids," Lava said. "I love when the kids see me after a race. They get excited and tell me how great the race was and that they want to come back again next year. I strive to be the impact and push them to their full potential.”

According to the organization, he started his relationship with the Y six years ago and became involved through his children, who participate in the Atlanta Kids Triathlon training.

“Wesley has two children that have been a part of the Kids Tri program, and because of his consistent enthusiasm, he has recruited several families over the years to complete the program and compete at the event," Y staff member Ryan Jones said. "Wesley impacts 130 participants and their families each year.”

Gregory Hamilton, Jr’s first connection with the YMCA was playing on the basketball team in 2012. Currently, he is the president of the Leaders Club and served as a camp counselor in 2019. He will be recognized as a "Teen Leader of the Year."

“The Y is a place where you can go, not only to gain a healthier lifestyle, but also where you can give back to your community," Hamilton said. "The Y’s three main goals of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility are what will keep me a member for life. The Y has really opened my eyes to how much change one person can create.”

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