WEST SUBURBAN YMCA Announces Community Award Winners

The West Suburban YMCA celebrated its 140th anniversary in Newton at the Crowne Plaza on Thursday, May 25th recognizing the following community partners, members, volunteers and staff:

• The Village Bank received the Community Partner Award for their continued commitment to the growth of the West Suburban YMCA. President & CEO, Jack Fucci, commented, “The Village Bank has had a positive and transforming impact on our Y for years with their continued support of our child care programing, fundraising events, and capital improvement projects that has enhanced our value to the communities we serve.”
• Chosen for her dedication to the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, the Adult Volunteer Award went to Newton resident Beth Berman. Beth volunteered weekly to help over 35 cancer survivors reclaim their health.
• The Teen Citizen Awards, given to graduating seniors from Newton North and Newton South High Schools who actively demonstrate the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility in their everyday lives, were presented to Justin Cheong and Megan Fieleke. Justin is a Junior Coach for the Y’s Blue Waves Swim Team and an inspiring mentor to his swimmers. Megan, a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Y is described by her peers as a “role model” and is frequently requested by parents to teach their children as a result. Both Justin and Megan will be attending college in the fall.
• The Youth Award went to Newton middle-school student, Sidney Schurgin, for his leadership in the Out-of-School Time program. Sid routinely exemplifies the YMCA’s mission of building strong spirit, mind and body in his interactions with fellow students and YMCA staff members.
• The Bob Groden Employee of the Year Award was given to Out-of-School Time staff member Gregory Smith. Greg joined the WSYMCA in 2013 and has over 10 years of child care experience. He is dedicated and passionate about working with the students and demonstrates the core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility in his daily work.
• The Ken Billings-Frank O’Halloran Award was given to longtime Y member and donor, Peter Dion. Peter has been committed to the WSYMCA for over 25 years and his caring influence has helped shaped his fellow Y members experiences at the Y.