MAGGIE PAYNICH NAMED 2014 VOLUNTEER OF YEAR

ATLANTA (Oct. 23, 2014) — Maggie Paynich, a resident of the city of Decatur, will receive the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year award for her service at the East Lake Family YMCA. She will be honored at the annual volunteer recognition dinner Monday, November 10, 2014.

Paynich is a licensed school counselor and the founder of Education Inspires, a middle school college exploration program.

“I am passionate about working with middle school students because I have the opportunity to help them develop their self-confidence while they are still in a stage of dreaming and believing they can do anything,” said Paynich. “I want to capture that energy and make sure they utilize it before they get to high school. Then they can fully take advantage of the opportunities to graduate, move on to college and a career.”

Paynich is a neighborhood watch coordinator, active in local political organizations and a McNair Middle School volunteer.

“Teens need opportunities, mentors and activities to help them thrive,” said Paynich. “I work directly with middle and high school students and provide them the guidance they need to be successful. They have opportunities to get invested and build valuable experiences into their lives and college experiences.”

The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and connect. Call 404-373-6561 or visit http://www.ymcaatlanta.org.

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CONTACT:

Rc Pruitt, 404-406-6153, rcp@ymcaatlanta.org

Kristen Obaranec, 404-593-7920, kristeno@ymcaatlanta.org